Minneapolis Central City Tunnel: Project update

PW project updates

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel System

June 27, 2024

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 have completed work on the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave. Thank you for your patience with construction over the years. Restoration on the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River continues, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the remaining project work sites will be cleaned up by mid- July.

Mississippi River Portal

  • Crews continue reconstructing the storm tunnel outlet and have begun restoration and site cleanup activities at the Mississippi Rive

2nd Ave

  • Crews have completed work at the 2nd Ave site and have begun restoration of the area.

Portland Ave

  • Crews are wrapping up the work in the tunnel at the Portland Ave site and will begin restoration and site cleanup activities soon. The concrete barrier along Washington Avenue will be removed in the coming weeks and the road will be returned to its preconstruction condition.

Dewatering Well Sites

  • Crews have removed the dewatering wells at Nicollet Mall, 2nd Ave, 4th Ave, Portland Ave, and Chicago Ave. Sidewalk restoration and site cleanup activities will begin soon.

Project map

central tunnel map

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