FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06/05/2015
Contact: Kayla Bromelkamp, Communications, 612-348-8536
Starting Monday,
June 8, motor vehicle traffic on the Franklin Avenue Bridge will be reduced to
a single lane in each direction across the Mississippi River to install
platforms for worker access under the bridge deck. Please consider leaving
extra time in your schedule when traveling through the project area.
Bicycles and
pedestrians will be routed along a signed detour. Bicyclists should use the
on-road bike lane behind the concrete barriers that separate traffic from the
work zone; pedestrians will have a sidewalk for use.
This work is part of the ongoing restoration work being done
to the Franklin Avenue Bridge. Once bridge restoration is complete in Fall
2016, the new design will continue to provide a single lane in each direction
for motorists.
The Franklin Avenue Bridge was listed on the National
Register in 1978. When completed in 1923, the bridge was the longest
concrete arch in the world. The restored bridge will incorporate safe, modern
features including separated on-road bicycle facilities.
Hennepin County began restoration work on the bridge
this spring. The work will be completed in the fall of 2016.
Questions or
comments can be directed to the Franklin Avenue Bridge Project Hotline at
888-474-8929, or by email at franklinbridge@hennepin.us.
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.
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