ABOUT

In 2019, the City of Minneapolis reconstructed 8th Street between Hennepin Avenue and Park Avenue. The purpose of the project was to:

• Improve the condition of the infrastructure for pedestrians, transit, and vehicles​

• Improve pedestrian safety and the pedestrian realm by providing cross walks with pedestrian curb ramps, durable crosswalk markings, wider sidewalks, count-down timers, landscaping, and lighting​

• Improve transit operations through the corridor by allowing for the implementation of enhanced transit amenities at select locations, including larger waiting areas for transit stops

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During the 2019 construction season, crews completed:

• Roadway, sidewalk and storm sewer construction

• Planter box and permanent signage installation

• Traffic signal and crosswalk enhancement

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2020 CONSTRUCTION POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, work on 8th Street between Park Avenue and Chicago Avenue, including both intersections, has been postponed until further notice. 

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Final restoration work on 8th Street between Hennepin Avenue and Park Avenue will continue as planned in spring 2020. Work in this area will include:

• Replacement of damaged concrete roadway and sidewalk panels

• Joint sealing

• Final landscaping installation

• Bike rack installation

• Permanent pavement markings

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The project team will be monitoring the guidance of local, state, and federal officials in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak, and will continue to provide regular updates regarding construction activities in the 8th Street project corridor. 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION

• There will be an increase in traffic congestion, noise, vibration and dust in work areas.

• Anticipate temporary vehicle lane closures and parking restrictions through mid-Summer 2020. Lane restrictions and parking restrictions will vary block-by-block depending on construction activity.

• There will be temporary sidewalk closures throughout 8th Street. Pedestrian detours will be facilitated as needed. Expect greater pedestrian impacts at the intersection where work is occurring. 

• Metro Transit services will remain in the 8th Street corridor until work is re-scheduled to occur between Park Avenue and Chicago Avenue. Short-term closures or temporary bus stops may be utilized to facilitate any repair and landscaping work. Notices will be posted by Metro Transit in advance of the anticipated bus stop impact.