Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Update
Friday, October 21, 2016 at 8:52AM
Via an October 21 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:
First section of new cycle track paved
Crews began paving the first section of a new cycle track, or curb-protected bike lane, this week on Washington Avenue (County Road 152) between Hennepin and 2nd avenues. This is a key milestone in fulfilling one of the main design goals of the Washington Avenue project: to improve safety and overall experience for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Crews paving the new cycle track between Hennepin and 2nd avenues
Once complete, Washington Avenue will have new one-way cycle tracks on both sides of the roadway from Hennepin Avenue to 5th Avenue.
These new cycles tracks will be the middle segment of a safe and continuous route for bicyclists from I-35W to Plymouth Avenue. Last year, a restriping project created new bicycle lanes from Hennepin Avenue to Plymouth Avenue. In 2017, a planned restriping project will create new in-street bicycle lanes from 5th Avenue to I-35W.
Other work on Washington Avenue
Elsewhere on the project, crews will also be busy this week:
• Laying curbs and gutters between 4th and 5th avenues
• Replacing sanitary and storm sewer pipes between 3rd and 5th avenues
• Beginning underground utility work at the 3rd Avenue intersection
• Digging tree pits and trenches for new enhanced landscaping
Next week, crews expect to begin paving between 2nd and 3rd avenues and between 4th and 5th avenues.
Traffic changes and considerations
As work continues to progress, there are a few ongoing and upcoming traffic changes at intersections to consider when traveling in the area.
5th Avenue
Crews opened a northbound through lane at the 5th avenue intersection last Friday. All below ground utility work is now complete and crews are continuing with work on curbs and gutters. The intersection is expected to fully reopen early next month.
3rd Avenue
Work began this week in the northwest part of the 3rd Avenue intersection. Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained for the next couple weeks while this work occurs. Crews will then flip to the other side of the intersection. Pedestrians should cross on the side opposite the active work area.
2nd Avenue
Work is complete at the 2nd Avenue intersection and all lanes are now back open to traffic.
Contact us
Website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue
Email: washingtonave@hennepin.us
Phone: 612-543-3722
Project engineer:
Stanley Lim, P.E.
612-596-0292
stanley.lim@hennepin.us
