Northstar Construction Update - January 4

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

• The 5th Street North bridge over the BNSF train tracks is now open to pedestrian access. Barriers and fencing have been installed on the bridge.
• 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 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.
• Retaining wall work at the west end of the construction site has been completed for the season and will begin again in Spring.

City of Big Lake – Vehicle Maintenance Facility

• There are no anticipated traffic impacts related to VMF construction in the coming week.
• Mechanical and electrical work continues in the VMF and train wash building.
• Pending weather, train wash building roofing will begin in the coming week.

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

Work on the 5th Street North bridge over the BNSF train tracks (Dec. 28 , 2007).

Vehicle Maintenance Facility

Roof of the train wash building (Dec. 20, 2007).