Lake Street construction update

Construction work continues on both the east and west segments of Lake Street (Hennepin County State Aid Highway 3) as part of the first complete reconstruction of the major commercial corridor in South Minneapolis in 50 years.
Officials of the Hennepin County Transportation Department, the project's lead agency, emphasize that one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open in the work zones at all times during construction. Major intersections also are open although some others will be closed at times during the project.

Both the roadway and sidewalks are being rebuilt, along with new streetscape amenities, including decorative lighting, bike racks, tree plantings,landscaping and signage. Utility work also is taking place.

Lake Street businesses are open during construction. Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis and the Lake Street Council encourage customer support of businesses in the construction zones.

East segment construction (36th Avenue east to West River Road)
The east segment is on schedule to be substantially completed this fall.
Due to the I-35W bridge collapse, the county and city have directed the contractor to complete roadway construction from West River Parkway west to 46th Avenue. The purpose is to have the intersection of West River Parkway and Lake Street open to all lanes of traffic in anticipation of increased traffic on Lake Street.

The contractor has completed all underground work and installing the bituminous base in this section. Binder courses and roadway striping are planned to be completed by Aug. 20. Metro Transit buses then will be taken off West River Parkway and rerouted to 46th Avenue.

The intersection at West River Parkway will be closed to north- and south-bound traffic. The contractor then will remove the existing pavement, grade and place the bituminous base and binder courses directly in the intersection.
This work is anticipated to be completed by Aug. 23, with the intersection then opened to all traffic.

The contractor will next start construction activities on the south side of Lake Street to 42nd Avenue, including completing underground work, grading, and installing concrete curb and gutter.
West segment (Lake Street from Dupont Avenue east to Bryant Avenue andLyndale Avenue from 29th Street to 31st Street)

Construction operations began May 7.