A repaving project for one of Minneapolis' busiest traffic corridors is poised to begin on the western edge of downtown and is scheduled to last through the rest of the year.
You've been warned: Major work about to start on vexing Mpls. bottleneck
Repaving Hennepin-Lyndale on the western edge of downtown Mpls. to last through end of the year.
April 4, 2016 at 5:37PM
The disruption involves Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues, including where they come together and continue past Loring Park and the Sculpture Garden.
"Once the work is complete, Hennepin-Lyndale will have improved traffic flow and a smooth driving surface," the city announced in a statement released on April Fools' Day (sorry, not a gag). "Other enhancements will be made as well, including better lane designations and improvements to bicycle and pedestrian crossings."
On the project's website, the project's rationale is explained:
"The Hennepin/Lyndale Avenue corridor provides an important north-south linkage for automobiles and transit service between the Minneapolis Central Business District and the Uptown area at Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street, one of the city's most dense housing and entertainment districts. In addition, it provides a critical link for drivers seeking access to I-94 and I-394. The corridor itself also is a destination, with Dunwoody Institute, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Loring Park and several churches attracting patrons."
That area handles roughly 50,000 vehicles on an average day, according to city officials. The pavement has been neglected for decades, and "confusing signage" has led to many a fender-bender, the project website says.
Beginning Monday, an inside lane in each direction of Hennepin-Lyndale will close to traffic until later this summer. Once the inside lanes are reconstructed, traffic will shift to those lanes and the outer lanes in each direction will close for reconstruction. All lanes are expected to open to traffic by December.
One complete closure starting late Sunday involves Hennepin Avenue from Franklin Avenue north to Summit Avenue. The I-94 on-ramp will remain open, but other traffic will detour east on Franklin to Lyndale Avenue. This closure is expected to last about two months.
Pedestrians and bicyclists will be allowed to cross Hennepin-Lyndale throughout construction, with detours posted. Bus routes also will be maintained, but changes may be made to accommodate construction.
To learn more about the complete impact of the project and to sign up for updates, visit www.hennepinlyndaleproject.com.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
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