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

The project is scheduled to start in April 2025. The work includes:

• deck replacements

• rehabilitation of Abutment 1

• the replacement of the bridge railing

The bridge will be closed starting April 7, 2025 for about 8 months. Before the closure, warning signs will be put up at both ends of the bridge.

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 AM and 3:00 PM.

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.