Program overview

The Bridge 9 program is a multi-year program. It means to address the Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge issues. We've identified the most important bridge repairs and plan to fix them over the next few years.

Background of the bridge

The Northern Pacific Railroad constructed Bridge No. 9 in 1922. They built it to carry freight over the Mississippi River.

The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted it to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail. Over the years the bridge has deteriorated and currently needs repairs. To preserve the historic resource of the bridge, the City has chosen a repair/rehabilitation program.

Project current status

Work on the 2025 phase of work concluded in January 2026. That work included:

• Deck replacements
• Rehabilitation of abutment 1
• Replacement of the bridge railing

The next phase of work on Bridge 9 will be focused on Pier 4. That work will include:

• Overlay of the Pier cap
• Underpinning of Pier 4

Work is expected to begin in May 2026. The bridge will remain open to people walking and biking during the work in 2026. 

View interactive map

Traffic impacts

During the 2026 construction season, there may be some minor impacts to West River Parkway. The trail could be temporarily affected. The trail on Bridge No. 9 will stay open during construction.