1st Ave S reconstruction project update

Over 2022-2023 Public Works conducted engagement on the reconstruction of 1st Ave. S from Lake St to Grant St in downtown. This 1.5 mile long corridor was advanced due to the poor pavement condition, multimodal transportation needs, and equity considerations. The current construction on the Lake to Franklin stretch is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of this year with final touches, including plantings, installed in 2026.
 
In 2023, due to funding constraints the segment from Franklin to Grant was moved to 2027. Public Works is happy to report that they have been able to advance this work to 2026. Adjacent property owners can expect postcards with details about the public hearing process in the coming weeks.
 
The approved concept layout can be found here. The newly reconstructed street will feature a two-way protected bike facility, reduced pedestrian crossing distances, greening and green stormwater infrastructure, new signals and signage, and improvements on cross streets with bike facilities, in addition to the benefits of a newly reconstructed pavement surface.
 
Most details of the project from engagement are housed on the Lake to Franklin website, residents may want to bookmark the Franklin to Grant website for upcoming construction information. Within the coming months a construction engineer will be assigned to the project and that person will be the primary point of contact for questions about debris, noise, or other on-the-ground concerns.

1st Ave S Reconstruction project overview
The Minneapolis Public Works Department plans to reconstruct 1st Ave. S from Lake St. to Franklin Ave., including replacing the Midtown Greenway Bridge. In addition to new pavement, the project will include new sidewalks, an off-street bicycle facility, updated safety features, sanitary and storm main replacement, and green stormwater infrastructure.

Construction update
1st Ave. S closure
Segments of 1st Ave. S will continue to be closed through the fall of 2025. Drivers will need to follow the posted detour ­­­­­­­­­­­route.

• 1st Ave. S is closed from Franklin Ave. to 22nd St. and 24th St. to 27th St.
• Vehicle detour route: Lake St., Lyndale Ave. and Franklin Ave.
• Bicycle detour route: Lake St., Blaisdell Ave., Nicollet Ave., and Franklin Ave.

Tentatively, starting on Friday, Sept. 26, the work to install the final layer of asphalt between Lake St. and 26th St. E. will begin. This work may last through Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Traffic control update

• 1st Ave. S., between 22nd and Franklin Ave. is open to local traffic.
• 1st Ave. S., between 22nd St. and 24th St. is open to local traffic.
• The intersection of 1st Ave. S and 22nd St. is open to traffic.
• The intersection of 1st Ave. S. and 24th St. is open to cross traffic.
• The intersection of 1st Ave. S. and 25th St. is closed to cross traffic.
• The intersection of 1st Ave. S. and 26th St. is open with one lane.
• 1st Ave. S., between Lake St. and 27th St. is open to reduced traffic lanes.
• The bike lanes along 1st Ave. remain closed between 27th St. and 19th St. E.

What to expect 

• Storm water garden construction will take place between 24th to Franklin.
• Lighting system and concrete work for the sidewalks, bike facility, and curb and gutter will take place between 26th to 24th St. E.
• Signal work will take place on the north side of the 26th St. intersection.
• Concrete work will take place in the 25th St. intersection.
• Concrete work will take place between 26th and 24th St. E.
• Planting for the new storm water gardens and establishment of vegetation between Lake St. and 27th St. E. will take place.
• Planting between 27th St. to Franklin Ave. will take place in the spring of 2026.
• New trees will be installed along the project area in the spring of 2026.
• The final layer of asphalt will be added over the entire project area later this fall. It will be completed in phases.
• The final layer of asphalt between Lake St. and 26th St. E. will be placed at the end of next week. Work is tentatively scheduled to start on Friday, September 26.  This will remove the asphalt along the curb lines.  Asphalt paving is scheduled to start the next day.  When the asphalt pavement is complete, the pavement will be sawed and sealed. This work is anticipated to be completed on Tuesday, September 30. The 28th and 27th St. intersections will remain open for cross traffic.  There will be limited total closures at 26th St. E.

Businesses remain open through construction
As construction continues along 1st Avenue S., businesses remain open.

Upcoming Events
1st Ave. S Reconstruction field hours
Come visit us at our bi-weekly field hours to learn more about construction:
October date TBD
Wesley Andrews Coffee & Tea,111 E 26th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Stay connected
Visit the project website; Sign up for project updates: minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/1st-ave-lake-st/
Contact the project engineer: Tracy Lindgren,
tracy.lindgren@minneapolismn.gov or 612-290-5898
Contact the transportation engineer: Abdullahi Abukar,
abdullahi.abukar@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2463
Email info@firstavesouth.com
Contact the project hotline with questions, comments or concerns: 612-451-030.
For an overall picture of construction activity throughout Downtown Minneapolis: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/road-closures-map/