MINNEAPOLIS — One of the busiest roads in Minnesota's biggest city will be closed for upgrades starting in April.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it will close the ramps to and from Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis on April 15 to better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.
The road closure is expected to last until October, according to MnDOT.
Lake Street will also be reduced to a single lane in each direction from 21st Avenue to Snelling Avenue, said MnDOT.
"When work is finished, the new intersection will be safer and easier for pedestrians and bikers to navigate and use," according to the project's website.
The agency suggested a series of alternative routes for motorists while the closures are in effect:
- Motorists traveling northbound on Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue can use eastbound 32nd Street to northbound Minnehaha Avenue to westbound Lake Street as a detour.
- Motorists traveling southbound on Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue can use westbound 26th Street to southbound Cedar Avenue to eastbound Lake Street as a detour route.
- Motorists traveling from Lake Street to northbound Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue can use northbound 26th Avenue South to northbound Minnehaha Avenue to westbound 26th Street as a detour.
- Motorists can also use westbound Lake Street to southbound Cedar Avenue to eastbound 32nd Street as a detour route from Lake Street to southbound Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue.
The $8 million project will also reduce congestion, extend pavement life and improve safety and accessibility, according to the site.
Click here for more information on the project and closures.
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