Northstar Construction Update - November 21

This week, Northstar is continuing construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Connection in downtown Minneapolis and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Big Lake. Details on upcoming construction activities are included below.

Downtown Minneapolis – Light Rail Transit (LRT) Connection

• Demolition of the south half of the 5th Street North bridge over I-394 continues. The entire south half of the bridge deck has been removed. One lane of eastbound traffic will be maintained on the north side of the bridge during demolition and reconstruction.
• There will be lane restrictions, as needed, on inbound and outbound I-394 during bridge demolition and reconstruction. All lane restrictions will take place on weekends and at non-peak hours on weekdays.
  • Inbound (eastbound) lane restrictions may be in place weekdays between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM.
  • Outbound (westbound) lane restrictions may be in place weekdays between 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
  • Full closures of I-394 in the area of the bridge may occasionally be necessary. Full closures may occur on weekdays between midnight and 5:30 AM. Weekend full closures may take place between midnight and 9:00 AM.
• Reconstruction of the south half of the 5th Street North bridge over the BNSF railroad continues. The second of three bridge pours is scheduled to take place this week. The final bridge pour is scheduled for the middle of next week.
• Crews will continue work on a retaining wall at the far west end of the construction site.
• Excavation, backfill and truck hauling at the west end of the construction site – in the area of 5th Street North and 6th Avenue North – will take place beginning Monday, November 26th and continue all week.

City of Big Lake – Vehicle Maintenance Facility

• Roof decking has begun on the VMF building.
• Precast exterior wall panels have been installed on the north and west sides of the VMF building.
• Construction crews are completing installation of masonry wall in the train wash building.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Northstar construction or any other aspect of the Project, please contact Jonathan Blake at 651-366-5840 or by e-mail at jonathan.blake@mnrail.org. Please also visit Northstar online at www.mn-GetOnBoard.com.

For information on the new Minnesota Twins Ballpark, which is being constructed adjacent to Northstar’s downtown Minneapolis construction site, visit the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) website at www.ballparkauthority.com or call 612-543-PARK. The MBA can provide you with information relating to construction of the Twins Ballpark and resulting traffic impacts.

Construction Site Photos

Hiawatha LRT Connection

Demolition of the south half of the 5th Street North bridge over I-394 (Nov. 16, 2007)

Vehicle Maintenance Facility

Northwest end of the vehicle maintenance facility (Nov. 15, 2007)