Northstar Construction Update - January 11

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

• 5th Street North – between 5th Avenue North and 6th Avenue North – is scheduled to reopen to vehicular traffic by the end of next week.
• Reconstruction of the south half of the 5th Street North bridge over I-394 continues. 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 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 10:00AM – 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM.
  • Outbound (westbound) lane restrictions may be in place weekdays 9:00AM – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM.

City of Big Lake – Vehicle Maintenance Facility

• There are no anticipated traffic impacts related to VMF construction in the coming week.
• Electrical and plumbing work continues in the VMF and train wash building.
• Roofing work on the train wash building and VMF office area continues.

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

Bridge abutment work on 5th Street North bridge over I-394 (Jan. 7, 2008).

Vehicle Maintenance Facility

Sanitary sewer installation inside VMF office area (Jan. 4, 2008).