Coon Rapids Boulevard Closure for Pedestrian Bridge Delayed After Transport Damage

October 30, 2025- COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The long-anticipated overnight closure of Coon Rapids Boulevard—originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, and Thursday, October 30—has been postponed after the pedestrian bridge intended for installation sustained damage during transport, city officials confirmed this week.

In an announcement released Tuesday, October 28, the City of Coon Rapids stated that Coon Rapids Boulevard will remain open overnight on both nights. The two-night closure had been planned between Zilla Street and Egret Boulevard to allow crews to position a new arched steel truss pedestrian bridge in the Port Riverwalk development area.

The new pedestrian bridge, part of a $4.6 million infrastructure project largely funded through state and federal grants, is designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by connecting the Coon Creek Regional Trail on both the north and south sides of the six-lane boulevard—one of the city’s busiest corridors, carrying an estimated 31,000 vehicles per day, according to city data.

Originally, the project called for full overnight closures beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening, with westbound lanes scheduled to reopen by 6:00 a.m. and eastbound lanes reopening in phases as crews completed bolt-tensioning and crane operations. However, those plans are now on hold until the damaged bridge section can be repaired.

“The change in schedule is due to damage that occurred during transport,” the city confirmed in its official notice published on coonrapidsmn.gov.

When rescheduled, the city will again implement a designated detour route using Hanson Boulevard, Northdale Boulevard (north of Highway 10), and Foley Boulevard to accommodate the full closure.

The Port Riverwalk pedestrian bridge represents a significant milestone in the city’s broader efforts to promote multimodal transportation and improve safety across heavily traveled corridors. Once completed, the structure will provide a continuous and secure link for pedestrians and cyclists navigating the Coon Creek Regional Trail system—enhancing both accessibility and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The City of Coon Rapids said it will release an updated schedule for the bridge installation once damage assessments are complete and the truss is cleared for transport and placement.

Residents and commuters are encouraged to follow the City’s website and official social media channels for updates regarding the project’s next phase.

MinneapoliMedia