The City of Minneapolis has been awarded $34 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to rehabilitate the historic Nicollet Ave. bridge over Minnehaha Creek. The BIP (bridge investment program) money will allow the City to replace and fix structural elements of the bridge and roadway.
“The Nicollet Ave. bridge has served our community for generations, and this funding will make sure it remains a vital connection for generations to come,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “We're not just dreaming big; we’re making those dreams a reality. With new bike lanes, wider sidewalks, accommodations for future bus rapid transit, and enhanced safety features, this grant will transform how we connect and move through our city. A huge thank you to our for their collaboration in securing this funding.”
Over the next several months, the City will finalize plans and complete state and federal project reviews. The bridge will be closed during construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2026. Crews will repair cracks, arches and other concrete deterioration, and the floor beams, deck, railings, drainage system, sidewalks and lighting will all be replaced. After construction wraps in 2028, the bridge will have six-foot protected bike lanes, eight-foot pedestrian sidewalks and two 11-foot traffic lanes.
Bridge is fourth to be rehabilitated
The bridge, built in 1923 with the last significant repairs in 1973, is the fourth and final large, open, concrete arched bridges designed and built by the City between 1914 and 1929. The first three – Franklin Ave., 10th Ave. and 3rd Ave. over the Mississippi River – have been rehabilitated.
“The Nicollet Ave. bridge is in desperate need of repair and could have been closed completely by 2030 had it not been for this significant investment,” said City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “We have several historic structures in the City of Lakes, and we must take care of them in order to take care of the people who use them. Our bridges need to be safe and sound in Minneapolis, and thanks to the Biden Administration and our Congressional leaders, we will be able to take this significant step.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $55.2 million. The remaining $20.9 million is expected to come from a mix of state and local funds. BIP grants are awarded to municipalities to repair existing bridges that are considered in poor or fair condition. The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) gives the Nicollet Ave. bridge a 4 rating, which means it is in “poor” condition.
“The bridge is a vital connection for emergency vehicles, people walking, biking, and riding buses, and getting kids to nearby schools. There are nearly 9,000 trips taken on this bridge every day,” said Tim Sexton, Public Works director with the City of Minneapolis. “Our team has put a lot of effort into getting this project ready and we’re grateful for the federal support so we can get to work restoring this historic bridge for all who use it.”
Congressional leaders weigh in
Minnesota Congressional leaders praised the funding award, citing the much-needed rehabilitation.
“The Nicollet Ave. bridge has connected Minneapolis and Bloomington residents for over 100 years, but it's long overdue for upgrades,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). “This significant federal funding will go toward rehabilitating the bridge so drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can continue crossing it for years to come.”
“The Nicollet Ave. bridge is more than 100 years old and serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for thousands of drivers, pedestrians and bikers who cross it daily,” said Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). “Thanks to the Biden-Harris infrastructure law, Minneapolis is receiving the investment it needs to carry out much-needed repairs to this critical bridge, including protected bike and pedestrian sidewalks and safety improvements that will help commuters and Minnesotans get where they need to go.”
"When I fight for infrastructure funding in Congress, this is exactly the kind of transformative investment I envision for our district,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). “The Nicollet Ave. bridge in South Minneapolis connects neighbors to public services like the library and local businesses. This $34 million federal grant demonstrates what's possible when local, state and federal government work together to meet community needs. As climate change puts more stress on our aging infrastructure, securing these federal dollars ensures we're building resilient infrastructure that serves all residents.”
Read more at the City's project site.