The historic Nicollet Avenue bridge spanning Minnehaha Creek and Minnehaha Parkway in south Minneapolis has received a $34.3 million grant from the federal government for an overhaul.
The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, which on Thursday announced some $635 million in grants to repair bridges throughout the country, part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The bridge, owned by the city of Minneapolis, was built in 1923 and last rehabbed more than 50 years ago. Designed by Norwegian engineer Kristoffer Olsen Oustad, it is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a news release that the Nicollet Avenue bridge “has served our community for generations, and this funding will make sure it remains a vital connection for generations to come.”
City officials tried unsuccessfully to secure $17 million from the state for the project during the legislative session earlier this year.
According to an October 2023 city presentation on the bridge, water and salt migrated into its structural elements, “causing severe concrete deterioration, [which] is the main reason for the bridge rehabilitation.” Crews will repair cracks, arches and other concrete deterioration, and the floor beams, deck, railings, drainage system, sidewalks and lighting will be replaced.
The city said Thursday the overhaul would cost $55 million, with the remaining amount coming from state and local sources.
Plans call for the rehabbed bridge to have 6-foot wide protected bike lanes, 8-foot wide pedestrian sidewalks and two 11-foot wide traffic lanes. The bridge will be closed during construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2026 and finish two years later.