Project overview

The Nicollet Ave. bridge over Minnehaha Creek is also known as Bridge No. 90591. The bridge was built in 1923 and repaired in 1973. Currently, the bridge is 63 feet wide and 816 feet long. 

The bridge has:

• Bike lanes on both sides
• Sidewalks
• Two lanes for vehicles

The bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Repairing it will allow use for many years to come.

We're still deciding on construction funding. Estimated construction timetable is 18 months.

What the repairs will include

We'll replace and fix all structural elements of the bridge and roadway. The repaired bridge will be 60’-4” wide.

The bridge will have:

• 6-foot wide protected bike lanes
• 8-foot wide pedestrian sidewalks
• Two 11-foot traffic lanes

Nicollet Bridge Project - MPRB tree preservation priority report

Read the report regarding the 2025 Nicollet Bridge project's projected tree removals and tree preservation priority. 

Nicollet Bridge Project - MPRB Tree Preservation Priority Report

View interactive map

Construction updates

Current and upcoming Storm Structure work

The City’s Surface Water and Sewer division of Public Works began installation of a grit chamber in the project area. Construction began on December 1 and is anticipated to be complete by mid-January. Work near the bridge, including storm pipe and structure installation, is complete. Crews are now progressing down the hill toward Minnehaha Parkway. Installation will continue through the end of the year. In early January, crews will complete the tie-in to the storm system along the parkway.  

Scope and purpose of the work

The project includes replacement of storm pipes and drainage structures from the bridge to Minnehaha Parkway. The existing infrastructure has failed and must be replaced to maintain proper drainage for the bridge, Nicollet Avenue, and Minnehaha Parkway.

Grit chamber benefits

The grit chamber will capture salt and sand used for road and bridge maintenance. This will help prevent these materials from entering the creek, improving the water quality.

Traffic impacts

Parkway closure

• The lower Minnehaha Parkway is currently closed and is expected to reopen in mid-January.

Traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle access

• Vehicle traffic is detoured using the upper parkway, allowing access up to Nicollet Avenue and back down to the parkway on the opposite side.
• The stairway at the southwest corner of the bridge will remain open throughout construction.
• The bike trail along the creek will remain open during construction.

See the Nicollet Ave Bridge over Minnehaha Creek - Sewer work traffic control plan

Past meetings

Public Open House 3 - September 17, 2025

The project team held the third in-person open house for attendees to learn more about the project, view various project boards, discuss the project details with staff, and provide feedback. 

• Open house 3 - Project boards
• Nicollet Ave Bridge Open house 3 - Meeting summary

Public Open House 2 - March 27, 2025

The project team held the second in-person open house for attendees to learn more about the project, view various project boards, discuss the project details with staff, and provide feedback. 

• Open house - Project boards presentation 1
• Nicollet Ave Bridge over Minnehaha Creek drone footage

Tangletown neighborhood annual meeting - May 20, 2024

The project team presented at the Tangletown neighborhood annual meeting to share a project overview and answer project questions.

• Nicollet bridge - Project overview
• Nicollet bridge - Presentation

Nicollet Ave. Bridge Over Minnehaha Creek – Past meetings, pre-2024

• Past project meetings, pre-2024