Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Update

Via an October e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Crews began pouring new sidewalks on the north side of Washington Avenue this week between Hennepin and Second avenues. The new sidewalks will remain closed to pedestrian traffic as crews continue with other work behind the curb. The crosswalks at Hennepin and Marquette avenues have reopened.

These sidewalks are the first piece of what will be a greatly improved environment for pedestrians and bicyclists along Washington Avenue. Some other new features will include:

• Curb-separated bicycle lanes (also known as cycle tracks)
• Shorter pedestrian crossing distances at intersections
• Lantern-style lighting for pedestrians
• Street greening and landscaping
• New colored pavers between the cycle track and sidewalk
• Reprogrammed signals that give pedestrians and bicyclists a head start at intersections

In the coming week, crews will be busy:
• Digging tree pits and trenches for new enhanced landscaping
• Installing storm sewer, sanitary and watermain pipes at the intersection of Fifth Avenue
• Pouring the first portion of cycle track
• Installing curbs and gutters between Second and Third avenues
• Installing bases for new lighting fixtures

As work continues to progress, there are a few ongoing and upcoming traffic changes to consider when traveling in the area.

Second Avenue
There will continue to be some short-term lane reductions at Second Avenue while crews complete curbs and other work at the corners of the intersection. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction. This work is expected to be complete the week of October 17.

Third Avenue
There will be a minor lane adjustment at Third Avenue, as crews begin work in the northwest corner of the intersection. Two lanes of through traffic in each direction will be maintained for this portion of the work. This reduction is tentatively scheduled to occur the week of October 17, or once a northbound lane is opened at the Fifth Avenue intersection.

Fifth Avenue
Crews expect to open one northbound lane at the Fifth Avenue intersection by the end of next week, as they continue to work in the northwest portion of the intersection. They plan to fully reopen the intersection by the end of the month. However, this schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change. Motorists should continue to use the marked detour following Washington Avenue, Portland Avenue and Second Street. Please look for pedestrians crossing Washington on the east side of the intersection.