MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | COON RAPIDS: Final Phase Begins on Port Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge as City Targets June Opening

COON RAPIDS, MN

Construction has resumed on the Port Riverwalk pedestrian bridge over Coon Rapids Boulevard, moving the long-anticipated project into its final phase and bringing it closer to a planned June opening.

City officials confirmed that work restarted Thursday, April 9, with crews now focused on completing the remaining structural elements and finishing details that will make the bridge fully operational for public use. The arched steel truss structure, already in place above the roadway, will now be outfitted with its concrete walking surface, safety features, and visual elements that will define its presence within the redevelopment area.

Final Construction Work Underway

The spring construction schedule centers on completing the bridge deck and preparing the structure for daily use. Crews will pour the concrete deck and curbs, install remaining steel components within the truss, and add pedestrian-level lighting designed to support safe use during evening hours.

The project will also include installation of a “City of Coon Rapids” nameplate integrated into the structure, along with final site cleanup and restoration work across the surrounding Port Riverwalk area.

During this phase, motorists traveling along Coon Rapids Boulevard should expect periodic daytime lane closures. City officials are advising drivers to remain alert in the construction zone as equipment and crews operate along the corridor.

A Project That Faced Early Setbacks

The bridge’s path to completion has not been without complications. In October 2025, the prefabricated steel truss was damaged while being transported to the site after striking an overpass along Highway 65. The incident occurred when the structure exceeded the clearance height during transit, forcing an immediate delay as engineers evaluated the extent of the damage and developed a repair plan.

That setback pushed back the project timeline by several weeks. After repairs were completed, the bridge was successfully installed in December 2025 during an overnight operation that required a full closure of Coon Rapids Boulevard. Large cranes were used to lift and position the structure across all six lanes of traffic, marking a turning point in the project’s progress.

Addressing Safety Along a Busy Corridor

The pedestrian bridge is designed to solve a long-standing safety concern along one of the busiest roadways in the north metro. Coon Rapids Boulevard carries roughly 31,000 vehicles each day, creating a difficult and often hazardous crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

By elevating trail users above the roadway, the bridge eliminates the need for at-grade crossings and creates a continuous, protected route across the corridor. The design reflects a broader shift toward grade-separated infrastructure in areas with high traffic volumes.

Strengthening Regional Trail Connections

Beyond safety, the bridge plays a critical role in connecting regional trail systems. It links the north and south segments of the Coon Creek Regional Trail, closing a gap that has long limited continuity for cyclists and pedestrians.

That connection extends further south to the Mississippi River Trail, placing the bridge within a broader network that serves both recreational users and commuters traveling across the Twin Cities region.

Part of the Port Riverwalk Transformation

The bridge stands as a central feature of the Port Riverwalk redevelopment, an area that has undergone significant change in recent years. The development includes more than 100 new townhomes, expanded trail access, and public infrastructure improvements aimed at creating a more connected and walkable environment.

The project carries an estimated cost between $4.6 million and $4.8 million and is largely funded through a combination of state and federal sources, including support from the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Solicitation program.

City officials have described the bridge not only as a piece of infrastructure but also as a defining visual element, intended to serve as a gateway feature within the redevelopment area.

On Track for Summer Opening

With construction now entering its final stage, the project remains on schedule for completion in June 2026. Once open, the bridge will provide a permanent solution to a long-standing safety issue while strengthening one of the region’s key trail connections.

For Coon Rapids, the structure represents a clear shift in how the city is approaching growth, balancing increased development with investments in infrastructure that improve how residents move through and experience the community.

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life.