1st Ave S Reconstruction - Project update

PW project updates

1st Ave S Reconstruction 

October 3, 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 fall. Drivers will need to follow the posted detour ­­­­­­­­­­­route.

    • 1st Ave. S is closed from Franklin Ave. 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., Nicollet Ave., and Franklin Ave.
1st Ave s this week

Traffic control update

  • 1st Ave. S., between 22nd St. and Franklin Ave. is open to local traffic.
  • 1st Ave. S., between 22nd St. and 24th St. is open to local traffic.
  • The intersection of 1st Ave. S and 22nd St. is open to traffic.
  • The intersection of 1st Ave. S. and 24th St. is open to cross traffic.
  • The intersection of 1st Ave. S. and 25th St. is closed to cross traffic.
  • The intersection of 1st Ave. S. and 26th St. is open with one lane.
  • 1st Ave. S., between Lake St. and 27th St. is open to reduced traffic lanes.
  • The bike lanes along 1st Ave. remain closed between 27th St. and 19th St. E.

What to expect

  • Storm water garden construction will take place between 24th St. to Franklin.
  • Lighting system and concrete work for the sidewalks, bike facility, and curb and gutter will take place between 26th St. to 24th St. E.
  • Asphalt placement and raising the underground structures to the surface will take place between 26th and 24th St E.
  • Signal work will take place on the north side of the 26th St. intersection.
  • Concrete work will take place between 26th St. and 24th St. E.
  • Care for the new storm water garden plantings and establishment of vegetation between Lake St. and 27th St. E. is taking place.
  • Planting between 27th St. to Franklin Ave. will take place in the spring of 2026.
  • New trees will be installed along the project area in the spring of 2026.
  • The final layer of asphalt will be added over the entire project area later this fall. It will be completed in phases.
TYpical ROW
  • The image above shows the different components that take place under a typical road. Although the sanitary sewer work along 1st Ave. 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 fall.

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

1st Ave. S Reconstruction field hours

Come visit us at our bi-weekly field hours to learn more about construction:

  • Thursday, October 9
  • 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: Abdi Abdulahi
Abdirizak.abdulahi@minneapolismn.gov or 612-505-6670

Contact the Surface Water & Sewers engineer: 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