Central city tunnel construction
The City is constructing a new stormwater tunnel below Washington Ave. S. in downtown.
Dates
2021 - June 2024
Location
The new tunnel's location is under Washington Ave. S. between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. It will run parallel to the existing tunnel. We will also make an existing tunnel bigger under Chicago Ave. between Washington Ave and the river. Downtown East Downtown WestProject overview
The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department will be constructing a new storm tunnel.
Goals
The goals of this project are to:
- increase the amount of stormwater the Central City tunnels can handle
- reduce the possibility of the existing tunnel failing
Additionally, a new tunnel will:
- Reduce pressure in the existing tunnel.
- Provide more room for future growth.
- Reduce the need for future repairs.
Project location
The new tunnel will be constructed parallel to an existing tunnel. The new tunnel will be located under Washington Ave. S. between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave.
We will enlarge the existing tunnel, which is located under Chicago Ave. between Washington Ave. S. and the Mississippi River.
About the Central City Tunnel System
The Central City Tunnel System is a system of stormwater tunnels that are built deep into the sandstone ground in Minneapolis. The tunnels are approximately 70 feet below the street surface and collect stormwater runoff for nearly all of downtown.
Traffic impacts
Traffic impacts will include temporary parking and traffic lane closure in a one block area near each of four access points.
Pedestrian and local access will be maintained. Detour routes will be posted during construction.
Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
Tunnel access locations
During construction, four access points will be used for tunnel access and construction staging.
- Mill Ruins Park near the Mississippi River
- 2nd Ave. S., north of Washington Ave. S.
- Washington Ave. S., east of Hennepin Ave.
- Washington Ave. S., east of Portland Ave.
Aside from the four tunnel access locations, construction of the new tunnel will occur underground.
View the access locations on the map in the resources provided below:
- Central City Tunnel construction project fact sheet (2021)
- Central City Tunnel virtual public meeting presentation
Barring any unforeseen issues, major work will be completed at the 2nd Avenue and Portland Avenue access shafts by mid-June. Traffic will be restored to its preconstruction condition.
Project update - March 29, 2024
We send out regular email updates for this project.
Project resources
Project phase
The Central City project is in progress as of September 1, 2021.
Input
Design
In Progress
Complete
Construction worker looking into Central City Tunnel
Workers inspect the old Central City Tunnel below downtown
Ice build-up in central city stormwater tunnel
Crews mine the tunnel and installed ground control. Crews have removed 67,800 tons of material. This is equal to the weight of over 6 Eiffel Towers.
Crews reinforce the new walls and floor with steel to prepare them for lining with concrete.
Central City Tunnel below downtown
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