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 began in April 2025. That work included:

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

The work is expected to conclude in mid-January 2026.

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. 

Please see the pedestrian and bicycle detour plans below for other routes to use while the bridge is closed.

View pedestrian and bicycle detour plans

View interactive map

Traffic impacts

During the 2025 construction season, the West River Parkway may be closed for short periods. These closures will usually happen between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m..

Signs will be put up in advance to warn drivers. When the road is closed, detour routes will be clearly marked to help you find your way around.

View parkway and trail detour plans