Hennepin Avenue bridge preservation

We are preserving and rehabilitating the Hennepin Avenue suspension bridge in Minneapolis, as well as completing maintenance work on two adjoining bridges.

Project information

The iconic Hennepin Avenue suspension bridge spans the Mississippi River, connecting downtown Minneapolis and Nicollet Island. Two smaller one-way bridges immediately to the east complete the connection, linking Nicollet Island to Main Street in Northeast Minneapolis.

This preservation and rehabilitation project will extend the life of the bridge, improve safety, and make it more accessible for all the people who walk, bike, and roll.

2026

The left lane of eastbound Hennepin Avenue is closed from 1st Street South to Main Street for survey and monitoring purposes in preparation for the upcoming bridge preservation project.

2027 – 2028

Crews will work along the full length of both directions of the suspension bridge. At times the bridge will be closed and traffic will be detoured. Closures will be communicated in advance and coordinated with nearby projects and key stakeholders in the area.

Full-size Hennepin Avenue bridge preservation project map (PDF, 1MB)

Planned improvements

When complete, this project will preserve and rehabilitate the bridge by:

• Maintaining cables
• Replacing bridge joints
• Repainting the bridge in its iconic colors
• Repaving the bridge deck for a smoother surface