Major Roadway Closure Slated for Installation of Coon Rapids Pedestrian Bridge

Coon Rapids, MN - The long-anticipated installation of a new arched steel truss pedestrian bridge over Coon Rapids Boulevard is scheduled for next week, an event that will require a complete overnight closure of a major thoroughfare. The structure is a key component of the city's Port Riverwalk development and aims to significantly enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety across a heavily traveled six-lane corridor.

City officials have announced that Coon Rapids Boulevard will be fully closed in both directions between Zilla Street and Egret Boulevard from 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, until 6 a.m. on Friday, December 12, to allow construction crews to assemble and set the bridge truss. This final, critical maneuver involves the use of a large truck crane to hoist the substantial steel structure into place.

The $4.6 million project, largely financed by state and federal grants—including $2.4 million in federal Regional Solicitation funds—is designed to connect the existing Coon Creek Regional Trail network, which currently stops on either side of the busy boulevard.

Traffic and Construction Schedule

Commuters should prepare for disruptions starting earlier in the week:

• Wednesday, December 10, 9 a.m.: Eastbound Coon Rapids Boulevard will be reduced to one lane to facilitate the setup of the crane and initial assembly of the truss structure.
• Thursday, December 11 (after morning rush): Eastbound Coon Rapids Boulevard will again be reduced to a single lane as crews complete the final bolting of the truss.
• Thursday, December 11, 7 p.m. to Friday, December 12, 6 a.m.: Full closure of Coon Rapids Boulevard in both directions for the crane assembly and placement of the arched steel truss.

The official detour route during the overnight closure will guide motorists along Hanson Boulevard, Northdale Boulevard (north of Highway 10), and Foley Boulevard.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Safety

The new bridge addresses a long-standing need for a safe, grade-separated crossing over Coon Rapids Boulevard, which carries an average of 31,000 vehicles per day. Once completed in the spring, the structure will eliminate a major barrier, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the road safely near the intersection of Zilla Street and Avocet Street.

The project is more than a safety measure; it is a critical piece of the region's broader multi-modal transportation strategy.

• Trail System Link: The bridge will directly link the Coon Creek Regional Trail, providing seamless access to the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway (MRT), which is less than a mile south of the bridge's location.
• Economic Development: The infrastructure investment is aligned with the redevelopment of the Port Riverwalk area, which includes the construction of 136 new detached townhomes. The new residents are expected to benefit from the enhanced walkability and access to recreational amenities like the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.

The bridge's design will incorporate custom features reflecting the Port Riverwalk motif, including a "wave pattern" worked into the railings, and will serve as a distinct landmark for the city, with the Coon Rapids name displayed on both sides.

The selection of a prefabricated, arched steel truss design allows for rapid on-site assembly and installation, minimizing the duration of traffic disruption. The inherent strength and efficiency of truss geometry enable it to span long distances—in this case, across six lanes of traffic—while requiring minimal intermediate supports.

MinneapoliMedia