Listen closely. The Nicollet Avenue Bridge is more than just a way to cross Minnehaha Creek. It is a testament to history and community.
This bridge built in 1923 is also known as Bridge No. 90591. The Nicollet Avenue Bridge is significant. It exemplifies a Melan form open spandrel bridge. The bridge contributes to the Washburn Park Historic District.
Imagine the scene. The year is 1923. Cars are new and exciting. People stroll along Minnehaha Parkway. This bridge connects communities. It is a symbol of progress.
Kristoffer Olsen Oustad designed the Nicollet Avenue Bridge. He used a reinforced-concrete. The bridge is continuous and has an open-spandrel arch. This Melan form was innovative for its time.
For years, the Nicollet Avenue Bridge has served Minneapolis. It provides bike lanes on both sides. There are sidewalks for pedestrians. Two lanes allow vehicles to pass.
In 1973, the bridge underwent repairs. But time and weather took their toll. Salt and water exposure caused deterioration. The bridge is now in poor condition.
But there’s good news. The city of Minneapolis received $34 million. It came from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding will rehabilitate the Nicollet Avenue Bridge.
The repairs will replace structural elements. The roadway will be fixed. The bridge will be 60 feet 4 inches wide. It will feature 6-foot wide protected bike lanes. There will be 8-foot wide pedestrian sidewalks. Two 11-foot traffic lanes will be available.
The Nicollet Avenue Bridge is scheduled for closure in 2026. Construction is expected to last 18 months. By 2028, a new Nicollet Avenue Bridge will emerge.
This isn’t the first bridge to undergo such a transformation. The Franklin Avenue, 10th Avenue, and 3rd Avenue bridges over the Mississippi River have been rehabilitated. The Nicollet Avenue Bridge is the fourth of its kind.
The bridge is a vital connection. Emergency vehicles use it. People walk and bike across it. Buses transport riders. Children get to schools nearby. Nearly 9000 trips occur on this bridge daily.
The Nicollet Avenue Bridge is more than concrete and steel. It is a link to the past. It is a pathway to the future. This historic structure will continue to serve Minneapolis for generations. It ensures safety and connectivity for all.