Coon Rapids Prepares for Overnight Closure as Crews Install New Pedestrian Bridge Over Coon Rapids Boulevard

Coon Rapids, MN. A major milestone is approaching in the Port Riverwalk redevelopment as crews prepare to lift a new arched steel truss pedestrian bridge into place over Coon Rapids Boulevard. The operation, which requires precise crane work and full roadway shutdowns, marks one of the most significant pedestrian safety improvements undertaken in the city in recent years.

Weather permitting, Coon Rapids Boulevard will be fully closed between Zilla Street and Egret Boulevard beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11. The roadway is scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. Friday, December 12. The closure will accommodate the crane assembly and the placement of the prefabricated truss that will span all six lanes of traffic.

Lane Reductions Begin Wednesday as Crews Prepare the Site

The work begins Wednesday morning, December 10, when eastbound Coon Rapids Boulevard will be reduced to one lane at 9 a.m. Crews will stage the truck crane and begin assembling and bolting the steel truss on-site.

On Thursday, December 11, after the morning rush hour, eastbound Coon Rapids Boulevard will again be reduced to one lane as workers complete final bolting before the evening crane operation.

City officials warn that delays are likely and encourage motorists to use alternate routes whenever possible.

Full Closure Required for Overnight Truss Installation

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Coon Rapids Boulevard will be closed in both directions so crews can assemble the crane and hoist the arched steel truss into its final position. The lift must be completed at night due to lower traffic volumes and the technical precision required for the operation.

If weather conditions hold, the roadway will reopen by 6 a.m. Friday in time for the morning commute.

Bridge Will Transform Safety and Connectivity Along a High-Traffic Corridor

The pedestrian bridge is a central component of the Port Riverwalk redevelopment and addresses a long-recognized safety challenge. Coon Rapids Boulevard carries approximately 31,000 vehicles per day. Crossing at street level presents significant risks for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially given the six-lane width of the corridor.

The new structure will provide a grade-separated, protected crossing that connects the Coon Creek Regional Trail on the north and south sides of the boulevard near Zilla Street and Avocet Street. Once opened in the spring, the bridge will close a critical gap in the regional trail network.

The Coon Creek Regional Trail extends through multiple Anoka County communities and links less than one mile south to the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway, one of Minnesota's premier long-distance cycling routes.

City planners say the bridge will not only serve trail users but will become a defining visual feature of Port Riverwalk. Its custom design includes a wave-inspired railing pattern that complements other redevelopment elements and establishes the bridge as a gateway landmark for the area.

Part of a Larger Redevelopment Vision

The pedestrian bridge is one of several infrastructure investments in Port Riverwalk, a redevelopment area that includes new neighborhoods, street improvements, trail expansions, and recent construction of 136 detached townhomes.

Local officials say the bridge enhances the walkability and long-term value of the area, supporting both recreation and transportation needs.

Funding and Project Cost

The total cost of the pedestrian bridge project is approximately 4.6 million dollars, with some planning documents citing up to 4.8 million dollars. The majority of the project is funded through state and federal grants, including 2.4 million dollars awarded through the Metropolitan Council's Regional Solicitation program. The city is responsible for only a portion of the project cost.

Detour Routes During Overnight Closure

During the overnight closure from Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m. through Friday, December 12 at 6 a.m., motorists will follow the official detour:

• Hanson Boulevard
• Northdale Boulevard, north of Highway 10
• Foley Boulevard

Posted signage and electronic boards will direct drivers along the alternate route.

Context: Previous Installation Delay

The bridge installation had originally been scheduled earlier in the fall but was postponed after a transportation incident damaged a portion of the steel truss. While the truss was being transported by semi truck, it struck the underside of the westbound County Road 10 bridge over State Highway 65. The damage required repairs and forced a rescheduling of the installation. The revised dates announced this week reflect the updated construction timeline.

A New Landmark for Coon Rapids

When completed this spring, the arched steel truss bridge will stand as both a practical safety improvement and a symbolic investment in the livability of Coon Rapids. It will eliminate a longstanding barrier for trail users, strengthen regional trail connectivity, and support a more pedestrian-oriented future in Port Riverwalk.

MinneapoliMedia