Three-Year Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street Bridge Replacement Project Begins
Bridge is closed while undergoing excavation, removal slated to start August
SAINT PAUL – Today, Mayor Melvin Carter gathered with federal, state, city, and county elected officials, as well as construction and community partners to announce the start of the $91 million Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street Bridge Replacement Project. The bridge, deemed structurally deficient, is now closed and under excavation. Beginning in August, the bridge will be removed in several parts, with replacement of the bridge expected to take three years.
“This new bridge will benefit both our East Side and downtown district,” said Mayor Carter. “I am grateful to our project partners, as well as all the neighbors who weighed in to advance a design that balances the needs of drivers, bus riders, bikers, and pedestrians alike.”
A 2014 analysis found several structural inadequacies on the outer portions of deck. What commenced was a decade-long process involving community-led design processes and the necessary partnership of federal, state, city, and county elected officials to fund the replacement project.
"I am glad to stand today with the many partners who have led efforts to replace the Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street Bridge over the past 10 years,” said State Senator Sandy Pappas, District 65. “This level of collaboration sets the precedent for our future work to continue bringing local, state, and federal investments directly to the residents of Saint Paul and Minnesota.”
During the closure of the Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street Bridge, transit and pedestrian traffic will be rerouted down East 7th Street.
"Despite a three-year closure, we are confident that when the replacement project is completed, the new corridor will improve multi-modal transportation and accessibility,” said Public Works Director Sean Kershaw. “We are thankful for the partnership of Lunda Construction, who are helping to bring a safer, more reliable connection to our city, regardless of whether you are driving, using public transit, walking, or biking.”
To stay up to date on the Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street Bridge and access detour information, visit the project website at stpaul.gov/kellogg-3.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge is Saint Paul’s longest city owned bridge and the project will be the largest and most complex public infrastructure project since 1995. Once complete, the bridge will have four lanes of traffic and a barrier-separated trail on both sides of the roadway for pedestrians and bicyclists. During the removal and replacement of the bridge, the intersections near Union Depot and Mounds Boulevard will also be reconstructed to better accommodate bus rapid transit.
ABOUT LUNDA CONSTRUCTION
Lunda Construction has long operated in Minnesota and led the improvements of several projects within the state, such as the Lafayette Bridge, the Maryland Ave Bridge, the 10th Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation, the Saint Croix Crossing, and many more. Lunda has also led operations across the country in the states of Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Learn more about Lunda Construction here.
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