Construction on Schedule for May Bridge Reopening: Hennepin County

Since we closed Tanager Bridge on March 8, crews have been working hard to complete planned construction activities including necessary tree clearing and dirt removal from around the project site. 

We expect to use the remainder of the 60-day closure. Weather permitting, we anticipate reopening the bridge on schedule in May. 

Erosion protection, bridge work underway; utility work to follow 

Last week, crews began constructing a retaining wall to help build up the road base to support the future alignment of Shoreline Drive.  

They also began installing riprap sloping along the Tanager Channel shoreline and preparing to construct the new bridge foundations.?Riprap slopes, which are comprised of large rocks, help protect bridge abutments and shorelines from erosion. 

Soon, crews will begin relocating the Metropolitan Council’s nearby sanitary sewer system.  

Each of these activities will take up to a few weeks. Completing them will allow us to build the new bridge in its future alignment and keep Tanager Bridge open through the summer months. 

Through traffic: use the signed detour

All through traffic on Shoreline Drive, including large and heavy commercial vehicles, needs to use the signed detour: 

• Highway 12 
• Wayzata Boulevard (County Road 112) 
• Watertown Road / 6th Avenue (County Road 6) 
• Shadywood Road / North Shore Drive (County Road 19) 

Using the signed detour will keep you from experiencing additional delays and getting frustrated. And, it will help local streets stay safe for the individuals and families who live and play in the area. 

Maintaining residential access up to the bridge

While Tanager Bridge is closed, we will continue to provide residential and business access to help people get to the marinas, other businesses and homes near the bridge. 

For more information

To learn more about this project, visit www.hennepin.us/tanager-bridge.

For questions, please contact the project at transportation@hennepin.us or call 612-348-8448.