44th Avenue NE Bridge in Fridley Reopens For Winter After Nearly Ten Months of Construction

FRIDLEY, Minn. — As of January 16, 2026, Anoka County has officially reopened the 44th Avenue NE (CSAH 2) bridge over the BNSF rail corridor in Fridley for the winter season, restoring a critical east–west connection after nearly ten months of full closure for rehabilitation work.

The temporary reopening provides long-awaited relief for commuters, residents, and freight-dependent businesses that have relied on extended detours since construction began in early 2025. County officials emphasize that while traffic has resumed, the project itself is not yet complete. Major construction activities are paused due to winter conditions and will resume in spring 2026.

Project overview and regional significance

Originally constructed in the 1970s, the 44th Avenue NE bridge carries traffic over the BNSF Northtown Rail Yard, one of the busiest rail facilities in the Upper Midwest. The structure connects East River Road (CSAH 1) on the west to Main Street NE (CSAH 102) on the east, serving as a vital artery for daily commuters, commercial vehicles, and emergency services moving through Fridley.

Decades of heavy traffic, environmental exposure, and aging materials led engineers to conclude that the bridge required a comprehensive rehabilitation rather than routine maintenance. Structural inspections identified deterioration in the concrete deck and supporting elements, prompting a full closure to allow for extensive repairs.

According to county planning documents, the rehabilitation is designed to extend the bridge’s service life by approximately 50 years, ensuring long-term safety and reliability for a corridor that carries thousands of vehicles each day.

A modernization project, not just a repair

County officials describe the CSAH 2 project as a modernization of the entire corridor rather than a simple bridge fix. Key improvements include:

Multi-use trail connection

A dedicated pedestrian and bicycle trail is being added along 44th Avenue NE, allowing non-motorized users to cross the rail yard safely for the first time. The trail closes a long-identified gap in Fridley’s planned active transportation network and aligns with goals outlined in the city’s long-range planning efforts.

Roadway reconstruction

The pavement on both approaches to the bridge is being fully reconstructed, improving ride quality, drainage, and long-term durability as traffic transitions on and off the structure.

Signal upgrades

The traffic signal system at 44th Avenue NE and East River Road is being replaced with modern equipment designed to improve traffic flow, reliability, and safety at one of the corridor’s busiest intersections.

Funding and partnerships

The project is a joint effort involving the Anoka County Highway Department, the City of Fridley, and BNSF Railway, whose rail operations continue beneath the bridge throughout construction.

The total estimated project cost is $16,019,000. Funding sources include:

• Federal aid secured through the Metropolitan Council via its 2022 Regional Solicitation, supporting the pedestrian and bicycle components
• Local funding from Anoka County, including transportation sales tax revenue
• State transportation funding to support bridge rehabilitation and roadway improvements

This layered funding approach reflects the project’s regional importance and its alignment with broader transportation and safety goals.

Current status and 2026 timeline

Although the bridge is now open, it remains an active construction zone. Temporary pavement markings are in place, and motorists are advised to use caution, particularly during winter freeze–thaw cycles that can affect road conditions.

The anticipated schedule moving forward includes:

• Winter 2025–2026: Bridge open to all traffic; major construction paused
• Spring 2026: Construction resumes, including final paving, installation of permanent metal railings and fencing, and completion of site stabilization work
• Summer 2026: Final project completion and permanent reopening of all lanes, along with full access to the new multi-use trail

County officials say the temporary winter reopening balances safety with mobility, allowing residents and commuters to benefit from the improved crossing while crews wait for conditions suitable for finishing the remaining work.

For Fridley and the broader Anoka County transportation network, the reopening marks a visible milestone in a long, complex project that is expected to serve the region reliably for decades to come.

MinneapoliMedia