Central city tunnel construction
The City constructed a new stormwater tunnel below Washington Ave. S. in downtown.
Dates
2021 - June 2024
Location
The new tunnel's location is under Washington Ave. S. between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. It runs parallel to the existing tunnel under Chicago Ave, between Washington Ave and the river. The existing tunnel was made bigger as part of this project. Downtown East Downtown WestProject overview
The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department has constructed a new storm tunnel.
Goals
The goals of this project were to:
- increase the amount of stormwater the Central City tunnels can handle
- reduce the possibility of the existing tunnel failing
Additionally, the new tunnel:
- Reduces pressure in the original tunnel.
- Provides more room for future growth.
- Reduces the need for future repairs.
Project location
The new tunnel was constructed parallel to the existing tunnel. The new tunnel is located under Washington Ave. S. between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave.
We enlarged the existing tunnel, which is located under Chicago Ave. between Washington Ave. S. and the Mississippi River.
About the Central City Tunnel System
The Central City Tunnel System is a system of stormwater tunnels that are built deep into the sandstone ground in Minneapolis. The tunnels are approximately 70 feet below the street surface and collect stormwater runoff for nearly all of downtown.
Project update - June 27, 2024
We send out regular email updates for this project.
Project resources
Project phase
The Central City project is complete.
Input
Design
In Progress
Complete
