1st Ave S Reconstruction - Project update

PW project updates

1st Ave S Reconstruction 

March 7, 2025

1st Ave S Reconstruction project overview

The Minneapolis Public Works Department plans to reconstruct 1st Ave. S from Lake St. to Franklin Ave., including replacing the Midtown Greenway Bridge. In addition to new pavement, the project will include new sidewalks, an off-street bicycle facility, updated safety features, sanitary and storm main replacement, and green stormwater infrastructure.


Construction update

1st Ave. S closure

Segments of 1st Ave. S will continue to be closed through the winter. Drivers will need to follow the posted detour ­­­­­­­­­­­route.

  • 1st Ave. S is closed from 20th St. to 22nd St. and 24th St. to 27th St.
  • Vehicle detour route: Lake St., Lyndale Ave. and Franklin Ave.
  • Bicycle detour route: Lake St., Blaisdell Ave. and Nicollet Ave., and Franklin Ave.

1st Ave s this week

Traffic control update

  • Franklin Ave. is open in both directions.
  • 1st Ave. S., between 22nd and Franklin Ave. remains closed. Access will be maintained from the Franklin Ave. side for local residents.
  • 1st Ave. S., between 22nd and 24th is a temporary two-way street to keep access to driveways.
  • The intersection of First Ave. S. and 22nd Street is open.
  • The intersection of First Ave. S. and 24th Street is open.
  • The intersection of First Ave. S. and 25th Street is closed and will remain closed until late March.
  • The intersection of 1st Ave S and 26th St. is open.
  • 1st Ave S, between 26th and 27th St. is open to local traffic.
  • The bike lanes along 1st Ave. remain closed between 27th St. and 19th St. E.
  • Water and storm sewer work will begin once sanitary work is complete. This is expected to occur during March.

What to expect

  • Sanitary main installation is ongoing between 26th and 24th St. E.
  • Storm sewer installation will be taking place between 27th and Franklin
  • Select water work will be taking place between 27th and Franklin. This includes valve replacement and hydrant replacement.
1st Ave s row
  • The image above shows the different components that take place under a typical road. Although the sanitary sewer work along 1st Avenue S. is approaching completion, crews will need to work on the water main and storm sewers before they can begin work on the curb and gutters this spring.

Businesses remain open through construction

As construction continues along 1st Avenue S., we would like to remind you that businesses remain open. Check out one of these locations to show support during this construction season.

  • Little Tijuana Neighborhood Lounge
  • The Prodigal Public House
  • Soulstice Yoga and Bodywork – Book a massage
  • Wesley Andrews Coffee & Tea 
  • The Familia Hair Studio - appointment only

Upcoming events

First Ave. S Reconstruction field hours

Bi-weekly field hours have resumed in March. Come visit us to learn more about construction:

  • Thursday, March 20 & Thursday, April 3
  • 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
  • Wesley Andrews Coffee & Tea,111 E 26th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Stay connected

Visit the project website; Sign up for project updates: minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/1st-ave-lake-st/

Contact the project engineer: Tracy Lindgren,
tracy.lindgren@minneapolismn.gov or 612-290-5898

Contact the engineer, Surface Water & Sewers: Henneh Kota
henneh.kota@minneapolismn.gov or 612-816-9047

Email info@firstavesouth.com

Contact the project hotline with questions, comments or concerns: 612-451-0300

For an overall picture of construction activity throughout Downtown Minneapolis: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/road-closures-map/


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