Minneapolis Central City Tunnel: Project update

PW project updates

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel System

May 31, 2023

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel: Project overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.


Project news

Crews continue to work on the new parallel storm tunnel. The mining process is complete and the last concrete pours are scheduled for the coming weeks. Restoration of the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River has begun and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the access portals at 2nd  Avenue and Portland Avenue will be cleaned up by mid-June. 

Mississippi River Portal

  • Crews continue reconstructing the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi Rive

2nd Ave

  • Crews are wrapping up work on the concrete liner for the new storm tunnel under Washington Ave.

Portland Ave

  • Crews are wrapping up work on the concrete liner for the new storm tunnel under Washington Ave.

Dewatering Well Sites

  • Crews will be working on the removal of the dewatering wells. Partial closures of sidewalks and streets will occur during the work.

Project map

Tunnel Project Map - May 24

Stay connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418


For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact 311.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311