Northstar Construction Update - November 30

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 structural deck and steel girders have been removed from the south half of the bridge and hauled off site. Pier cap work will begin in the near future. 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.
• Reconstruction of the south half of the 5th Street North bridge over the BNSF railroad continues. The final structural bridge deck pour is scheduled to take place late this week.
• Crews continue work on a retaining wall at the far west end of the construction site. Crews will continue excavation for footings and pouring stems.

City of Big Lake – Vehicle Maintenance Facility

• There are no anticipated traffic impacts related to VMF construction in the coming week.
• Structural steel, bar joist, and roof decking continue on the VMF building.
• Precast exterior wall panels are being installed around 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

Excavation for guideway and retaining wall just west of the intersection of 5th Street North and 5th Avenue North (Nov. 28, 2007).

Vehicle Maintenance Facility

Southeast end of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (Nov. 27, 2007).