The Stone Arch Bridge that connects downtown Minneapolis to the northeast side of town is undergoing repairs in a two-year project that will include the partial closing of the historic structure.
State transformation officials say the work to repair mortar and possibly replace some stones will be done in stages that will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to advance to a point halfway between the opposite sides of the Mississippi River before turning around.
The first half of the project will close the east side of the bridge near Father Hennepin Park and St. Anthony Main.
When that's done, the west side will then be closed for repairs near Mill Ruins Park.
Total cost of the work could reach $26 million, and construction bids are scheduled to be opened in November.
Crews are expected to begin the repairs in the Spring of 2024, and finish up in two years.
The Stone Arch Bridge was built by noted railroad tycoon James J. Hilll and completed in 1883 to carry train traffic in and out of Minneapolis.
It closed to trains in 1978, and MinDOT took ownership in 1989.
The bridge, one of the more recognized landmarks in the Twin Cities metro, is managed by the Minneapolis Park Board, whose leaders began talking about renovations about five years ago.
The Stone Arch Bridge project comes as work on the Third Avenue Bridge wraps up.
That span has been completely closed for two years.