Roads and bridges
Franklin Avenue reconstruction
Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is making it safer and easier to travel on Franklin Avenue (County Road 5). From spring 2026 through fall 2027, we will reconstruct the road between Lyndale (County Road 22) and Chicago avenues.
While we are reconstructing the roadway, you can still visit the area. Our construction updates will keep you posted about how to travel in and around the area.
Construction updates
Dates are tentative and subject to change
July 8 through fall
Crews will begin work on the south side of Franklin Avenue between 4th and Chicago avenues. If you are visiting the area, plan ahead, follow signage, and be aware of the following:
- Franklin Avenue will remain open to eastbound local traffic, but shift to the north side of the road.
- Southbound 5th Avenue and Oakland Avenue will close at Franklin Avenue.
- Park and Portland avenues will be reduced to a single lane at Franklin Avenue.
March 23 through fall
- Westbound Franklin Avenue is closed between Lyndale and LaSalle/Blaisdell avenues and between First and Chicago avenues.
- Eastbound Franklin Avenue is reduced to a single lane for local access only.
Using Franklin Avenue during construction
Local access
If you are visiting a business, call ahead or check their website to see if there is a change in business access or where to park.
If your home or business is directly on the project area, you will still be able to access your entrance. Contact the project team with any specific concerns.
Driving or biking
If you drive or bike, you can use one of our detour routes:
- Through traffic detour: Lyndale Avenue South, 26th Street (westbound) or 28th Street (eastbound) and Chicago Avenue (JPG, 3MB)
- Local detour: Nicollet Avenue, 15th and 16th streets, and Chicago Avenue (JPG, 2MB)
- You can use Portland Avenue to travel around the closures and 5th and Oakland Avenues.
Walking or rolling
If you walk or roll, you will have access to Franklin Avenue. There will be one side of Franklin Avenue open (the opposite side of where construction is taking place).
Transit
Some transit stops will be temporarily closed or relocated as work moves through the construction area. For information on affected stops, contact Metro Transit or visit their rider alerts website.
Starting in 2027
Crews will begin work in spring 2027 between LaSalle and First avenues. All work should be completed by fall.
About the project
When this project is complete, Franklin Avenue will have:
- Safer travel for everyone, including improved crossings for people who walk, bike, and roll
- A three-lane design with center turn lanes and medians at key locations to calm traffic and reduce vehicle speeds
- New paths for people who walk, bike, and roll
- Improved traffic flow for transit riders and drivers
- Improved lighting and green spaces
Previous engagement
From 2019 to 2020, and from spring 2022 to fall 2024, we asked the community near Franklin Avenue about how we could improve the road and make it safer for everyone, including those that walk, bike, roll, take transit, and drive. We used that feedback, along with technical data and city and county policies, to create a final plan for Franklin Avenue.
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