Lowry Avenue Bridge Grand Opening
10/01/2012
Join your community as we celebrate a new neighborhood icon
Yes, you’ve all been waiting for this! The Lowry Bridge is nearing completion, and there will be a festive grand opening on Saturday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. You won’t want to miss the unique opportunity to view the new Lowry Bridge up close and walk along the deck before the roadway reopens to traffic in the evening.
The grand opening festivities include the Patrick Henry and Edison High School marching bands from 10:30-11 a.m.; a short program at 11 a.m.; ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.; the Twin Cities River Rats water ski performance at 11:45 a.m.; a ceremonial parade across the bridge at 12:15 p.m.; and the event concludes at 1 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors, and stop by the new Mississippi Watershed Management Organization building while you’re there. In the early evening the Lowry Bridge opens for traffic.
It’s been a long wait for Camden area residents. The old Lowry Bridge was imploded in June 2009 - and since that time folks have been inconvenienced with the closing of the Camden, Broadway and Plymouth Bridges at various times. Lowry Avenue businesses also suffered a blow – many closed. Now folks not only have access to Northeast, but we’ve got a beautiful showcase – a work of art – to appreciate whether walking, biking or driving.
The bridge isn’t finished right now, and there’s work to be done before the grand opening. Hennepin County Transportation Dept. Sr. Project Engineer Paul Backer says, “Our major focus over the next four busy weeks includes the railing, painting, electrical (lighting and anti-icing), paving the final layers of bituminous on either side of the bridge, signing, striping and turf establishment.”
Don’t miss this historic event. The Camden News has covered the ongoing construction of the bridge over the years – but to get a recap/update you can visit lowryavenuebridge.com – there are some great photos. (Photo credit: Hennepin County Public Affairs)