1st Ave S Reconstruction 

November 7, 2025

1st Ave S Reconstruction project overview

The Minneapolis Public Works Department is reconstructing 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.

Traffic control update

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

What to expect

• Punch list work is taking place between 27th to Franklin
• Storm water garden construction will take place between 26th St. to Franklin. This will include concrete work next to gardens on the east side of 1st Ave. S.
• Signal work will take place on the north side of the 26th St. intersection.
• 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 new street lighting system between 26^th to Franklin will be completed over the next few months. Until it is operational, the existing wood pole lighting system will remain in place.

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 biweekly field hours to learn more about construction:

• Thursday, November 20
• 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 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