Oliver Ave South Storm Sewer Improvements

Project overview

The Oliver Avenue South project will build a big underground storage system to hold rainwater under the street.

This will help reduce flooding risks and keep nearby homes and businesses safe.

The project will also:

• Add a new stormwater pipe (called an outfall) that carries rainwater to Lake Harriet

• Replace an old sanitary sewer pipe

• Help water drain better and improve water quality in local lakes and the Mississippi River

Project benefits

• Helps reduce flooding risks for homes and streets

• Improves water quality before it reaches Lake Harriet

• Improves how well the storm and sanitary sewer systems work

• Prepares the system to handle heavier rain in the future

View interactive map

Traffic impacts

Construction will take about one year. People who live or work in the area may notice:

• Temporary road closures and detours

• Temporary Lake Harriet Pkwy. Regional Trail closure and detour

• Limited access to driveways or less parking available

• Construction noise and small vibrations

• Large machines and materials stored nearby

The City will work with residents and businesses to reduce disruptions as much as possible.

Construction updates

Construction begins July 13 

Construction began Monday, July 13 to improve the underground sewer system. 

2026 construction area: 

• Oliver Avenue between 50th Street and Lake Harriet 

July 13 through the summer: 

• Lake Harriet Parkway will be closed between Thomas Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway. 

• The Lake Harriet Regional Park Trail will also be closed in this area. 

• Please follow the posted detour using Thomas Avenue, 49th Street, and Minnehaha Parkway. 

At the same time, the City of Minneapolis is replacing pedestrian ramps along Lake Harriet Parkway between Thomas Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway to meet current ADA standards. 

The two projects are coordinating their work so the road and trail only need to be closed once. This helps reduce the overall impact to the area.