1st Ave. S. reconstruction, Lake St. to Franklin Ave.
Project goals
- Improve safety and mobility for all people and modes of travel.
- Install an All Ages and Abilities bikeway facility.
- Find opportunities for green storm water improvements, plantings, and trees.
- Accommodate property access for people.
- Incorporate existing City policies.
Project overview
We plan to reconstruct 1.0 mile of 1st Ave. S. between Lake St. to Franklin Ave.
Upgrades will include:
- new sidewalks
- ADA pedestrian ramps
- bicycle accommodations
- new pavement
- curb and gutter replacement
- utility improvements
- greenway bridge replacement
- storm and sanitary sewer replacement
- signal improvements
- new signage
- new pavement markings
Project update
1st Ave. S closure
Segments of 1st Ave. S will continue to be closed through the summer and 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. and Nicollet Ave., and Franklin Ave.
Traffic impacts
- 1st Ave. S., between 22nd and Franklin Ave. remains closed. Work is taking place mid-block and access will be maintained from either side for local residents.
- 1st Ave. S., between 22nd St. and 24th St. is a temporary two-way street to keep access to driveways.
- The intersection of First Ave. S. and 24th St. is closed.
- The intersection of First Ave. S. and 25th St. is open with a gravel surface.
- The intersection of First Ave. S. and 26th St. is open with two vehicle traffic lanes.
- 1st Ave. S, between 26th and 27th St. is closed.
- 1st Ave. S, between Cecil Newman and 27th St. will be closed to through traffic. Local access will be maintained.
- 1st Ave. S, between Lake St. and Cecil Newman Ln. will be a single lane.
- The bike lanes along 1st Ave. remain closed between 27th St. and 19th St. E.
Community engagement
Past project meetings
Public meeting #5 - Pre-assessment meeting
We held a public meeting to provide construction updates as well as answer questions and concerns on May 2, 2024.
Public meeting #4 - Virtual open house
We held a virtual public meeting, presentation, and question & answer session on March 6, 2024
Public meeting #3 - Open house
We held an open house at the Loring Park Community Arts Center on September 19, 2022.
Public meeting #2 - Open house
We held an open house at Whittier Community School on May 25, 2022.
Public meeting #1 - Virtual open house
We held a virtual public meeting, presentation, and question & answer session on March 8, 2022.
Project video
1st Avenue S Reconstruction - Project overview
Project map
1st Avenue S Reconstruction - Project map
Lake at Nicollet reopening
The City will re-open Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane.
View the Lake at Nicollet reopening project
Project resources
Checklists and fact sheets
Community engagement notes
Project phase
This project is in progress.
Input
Design
In Progress
Complete

Project update - June 27, 2025
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