Months ahead of schedule the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis will reopen Monday afternoon.
The 144-year-old bridge underwent repairs over the last year to preserve its historical and recreational value.
"It's a key community connection between Northeast and downtown Minneapolis," says MnDOT project manager Amber Blanchard. "We are beyond thrilled to reopen this bridge months ahead of schedule."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says the project saw zero injuries - and no lost time, as it's opening well ahead of schedule.
"To not take care of these things, we end up paying in the long run, and I would make one note on this," says Walz. "This is an iconic and historic bridge."
Crews originally started the project in April of 2024 with plans to finish around October of this year. The project was expected to cost around $38 million.
Now the public will get an extra three months to enjoy the bridge this year. It's an extremely popular spot for Minneapolis walkers, runners and bikers to get from downtown to Northeast Minneapolis.
"I cross the Stone Arch Bridge virtually every morning when I'm on a run," says Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. "And every single time I think to myself, wow, the city of Minneapolis is a real place, and we all get to live in it. Because when you turn that right hand turn right there, and you come through that tree lined path and then suddenly you see the backdrop of downtown, the sun is shining, the St. Anthony Falls are right here, and you're running by tons of people taking wedding photos and engagement photos, people biking and running and walking all along this great place? You just think to yourself, God bless, I love Minneapolis, and the fact that it is back right now is so beautiful."
MnDOT was making repairs to the mortar of the bridge which was originally planned and built between 1881 and 1883. It's been closed since last December, allowing bikers and pedestrians to utilize just half of the span at a time.
MnDOT is also hosting a reopening celebration which will still take place Saturday, August 9 despite the earlier-than-expected opening.
Stone Arch Bridge Reopening Community Celebration
When: August 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Father Hennepin Bluff Park Bandstand (420 Southeast Main St., Minneapolis, MN 55414)
What: The public is invited to attend this free, family-friendly event. A program with speaker remarks and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting will take place with community leaders at 11a.m., followed by a walk across the bridge into downtown Minneapolis. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages, and a demonstration of construction materials and historical fun facts. The public is encouraged to check out the event activities located on both sides of the bridge.