Northstar Minneapolis Construction Update - May 7, 2008

The Northstar Commuter Rail Project is scheduled to begin a new phase of road, sidewalk and light rail construction the week of Monday, May 12. This phase of construction will primarily take place on 5th Street North between 1st and 3rd Avenues North and involve street and sidewalk removal and reconstruction as well as the installation of light rail track segments. This work is part of the Northstar Project’s LRT Connection, a four-block extension of the Hiawatha Light Rail Line that will meet up with the Northstar commuter rail line outside of the future Twins Ballpark.

Throughout this upcoming phase of construction, the Northstar Project and its contractor will provide temporary pedestrian access to all affected 5th Street businesses and properties. There are no planned full road closures during this phase of construction; however, drivers and pedestrians may experience delays and/or detours.

CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW

The upcoming phase of Northstar construction on 5th Street will include:

• Removal and reconstruction of the south half of the 5th Street North roadway between 1st
  and 2nd Avenues North
• Removal and reconstruction of the south sidewalk on 5th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues
• Installation and welding of light rail track segments on 5th Street
• Road removal and track construction of the west half of the 2nd Avenue North and 5th Street intersection

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Anticipated traffic impacts associated with the upcoming phase of Northstar construction are as follows:

• At least one lane of westbound traffic will be maintained at all times on 5th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues
• Two lanes of northbound traffic will be maintained at all times through the 2nd Avenue and 5th Street intersection
• The Northstar Project and its contractor will provide temporary pedestrian access to all affected 5th Street businesses during any sidewalk and road work
• Parking meters on 5th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues will be removed for Northstar construction.

Throughout construction of the LRT Connection, the Northstar Project will continue to issue regular Northstar Construction Updates via e-mail with details on traffic impacts, construction timelines, and project milestones. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Northstar Project, please contact Jonathan Blake at 651-366-5840 or by e-mail at jonathan.blake@mnrail.org or visit Northstar online at http://www.mn-getonboard.com/.