SAINT PAUL, MN (July 12, 2024) – Starting Monday, July 29, 2024, City of Saint Paul will close the Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge from Broadway Street to Mounds Boulevard to begin a three-year project that will remove and replace the entire bridge that connects the East Side to Downtown Saint Paul. The reconstruction project budget of approximately $91 million is funded by state bonding, federal regional solicitation grants, and local funding.
Since 2014, when a structural analysis determined that traffic should be removed from the outer portions of the bridge deck, the city permanently reduced traffic lanes and sidewalk width to ensure public safety. Shortly thereafter, Saint Paul began bridge design and engineering efforts with input from the community on some artistic elements, as well as securing the necessary funding for a new bridge.
“After nearly a decade, we are excited to get this bridge project underway thanks to the financial support from our local, state, and federal leaders,” said Sean Kershaw, Director of Saint Paul Public Works. “The new bridge is critical to our regional transportation network. It provides a more reliable connection to Saint Paul that improves safety and access for people walking, biking, taking transit, or driving.”
The new Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge will have four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) and a barrier-separated trail on both sides of the roadway. The trails will each be 12 feet wide, shared by bicycles and pedestrians, and separated from vehicle traffic by a concrete barrier. Intersections near Union Depot and at Mounds Boulevard will be reconstructed to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, including bus rapid transit. The new bridge will also feature artist-designed ornamental railings and piers.
As a major regional connection, the Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge is Saint Paul's longest city-owned bridge and the largest and most complex public infrastructure project since 1995. The bridge spans multiple road crossings, including I-94 and one of the busiest railroad track junctions in the Midwest. The site of this bridge project also holds historical significance as an indigenous Dakota sacred site part of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, which was recently reclaimed as Wakan Tipi.
While the bridge is closed, vehicles will be detoured to East 7th Street. During construction, access will be maintained to Lowertown businesses, parking lots, buildings, and Union Depot on the west end of the bridge. Please expect traffic delays and follow all posted signs.
For more information and regular updates during construction, please visit the project webpage at www.stpaul.gov/kellogg-3.
Goodbye Bridge Walk – Sunday, July 21
Dayton’s Bluff District Council, with support from CapitolRiver Council, is organizing an opportunity for residents to take a final walk across the bridge before the deconstruction process begins. The public is welcome to walk across the bridge on the separated sidewalk area at their own pace and time. Saint Paul Public Works will have tables with project information at both ends of the bridge.
Sunday, July 21, 2024
1-3 p.m.
Meet at Eagles Club (287 Maria Avenue) or start at the west end of the bridge at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
CONTACT INFO:
Lisa Hiebert, APR; Saint Paul Public Works; lisa.hiebert@ci.stpaul.mn.us
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