These are notes that I am writing to help me learn our industrial history. They are my best understanding, but that does not mean they are a correct understanding.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
1929 10th Avenue Bridge over Mississippi River in Minneapolis, MN
When I think of an historic arch bridge in Minneapolis, I think of the Great Northern Bridge. But they have an historic road bridge as well.
John Weeks III
[John explains that at the time this bridge was built it was "out in the boonies," and it was built as a bypass of downtown. He also explains how the approaches were changed in to accommodate I-35W. After rebuilding the approaches and rehabilitating the bridge, the Cedar Avenue Bridge reopened in 1976 as the 10th Avenue Bridge.]
safe_image
$50m is being spent to rehabilitate it. It carries 10,000 vehicles a day. "The bridge rehabilitation will include, among other things, replacement of the entire bridge deck, a new protected bikeway, sidewalks, complete removal and reconstruction of certain bridge features, concrete restoration work to deteriorated concrete at various locations, and reconstruction of the south and north roadways up to the intersections—including new utilities, surfacing, and lighting."
[This photo appears to be old enough to have the I-35W truss bridge that collapsed in the background.]
The cost is already up to $60m. The bridge is going to be closed at least 1.5 years during the rehab. The are cutting the number of traffic lanes from four to two to provide more room for bikes and pedestrians. It currently supports 2,000 pedestrians and bicyclists a day. Assuming most of the 10,000 vehicles crossing a day are single occupant, that means non-vehicular traffic is already almost 20% of the vehicular traffic. That can only be expected to grow if they have safer lanes to use. The bridge has exposed rebar as well as other issues. They will also be replacing a 5' diameter water main that is under the deck with a new tunnel under the river.
No comments:
Post a Comment