Front Page - Bridge update - Lowry Avenue Bridge update

    You probably noticed that the Lowry Bridge was closed for deck repair in mid-August, but take note that the bridge will be replaced. According to the present schedule, construction of a replacement for the current Lowry Avenue Bridge is anticipated to begin in September 2009, with completion in November 2011. The Lowry Avenue Bridge carries Hennepin County State Aid Highway 153 (CSAH 153) over the Mississippi River between North and Northeast Minneapolis. The bridge was built in 1905 and remodeled in 1958. 

    The County Board approved the Lowry Avenue Bridge replacement project as its No. 1 state bonding request at its June 26 board meeting. The 2008 state bonding request is for $24.2 million. A federal funding request will also be submitted to the federal government. The project was awarded $2.5 million from the state in 2006 for design planning. 

    This is the largest bridge replacement project that remains under Hennepin County jurisdiction, with a replacement cost exceeding twice the county’s annual transportation construction budget. The total projected cost will be approximately $34.4 million.

    As a precaution after the collapse of the I-35W Bridge county Transportation Department bridge engineers inspected the Lowry Avenue Bridge on August 2. The engineers surveyed for foundation stability and visually inspected the superstructure for structural integrity. They determined the Lowry Avenue Bridge continues to be safe for traffic use. 

    The county has monitored the bridge on a regular basis since engineers discovered foundation problems at the large pier on the east side of the Mississippi River navigational channel in the fall of 2004. At that time the bridge was closed for repainting. The bridge remained closed while Transportation Department engineers and a bridge consultant determined the extent of the problems and completed repairs. The consultant recommended quarterly inspections of the bridge. Because of its concern about the safety of the traveling public, the county, instead, decided to inspect the bridge every four to six weeks.  

    Area residents were invited to provide input about the replacement for the present Lowry Avenue Bridge at an open house on August 21 at the North Regional Public Library. Hennepin County Transportation Department officials said an area field survey showing the existing structures, roads, ground features and utilities is needed for planning at this stage of the process. The field survey will be conducted on properties on or close to Lowry Avenue, Marshall Street Northeast and Second Street North. Property owners will be contacted.