MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | MINNEAPOLIS: City Launches $323.1 Million Construction Season with 37 Projects Citywide

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 19, 2026)

The City of Minneapolis has begun its 2026 construction season, with more than $323.1 million in infrastructure investments planned across 37 capital projects, according to city officials.

The program, led by the Public Works Department, includes projects underway or scheduled across all areas of the city, focusing on street reconstruction, bridge repair, utility upgrades, and flood mitigation.

Scope of Work

City data outlines the following major components of the 2026 construction program:

• Street improvements: Resurfacing of approximately 19.6 miles of streets and full reconstruction of 4.8 miles of roadway
• Water system upgrades: Replacement of about 1,827 lead water service lines and rehabilitation of 17.5 miles of water mains
• Bridge and structural work: Restoration of three Midtown Greenway bridges, continued reconstruction of the 10th Avenue South bridge, and structural work on the Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek
• Flood mitigation: Installation of expanded stormwater infrastructure, including larger underground pipes in areas such as north Minneapolis

Officials state the projects are intended to address aging infrastructure while improving system reliability, transportation safety, and stormwater management capacity.

Notable Projects

Several high-visibility projects are scheduled or continuing in 2026:

• George Floyd Square (George Floyd Square): Construction is expected to begin in June, including planned street redesign, lighting improvements, and added green space while maintaining the area’s memorial features.
• Chicago Avenue and 38th Street corridor: Street reconstruction and infrastructure upgrades are scheduled to begin in June following extended community planning.
• Logan Park Industrial Area: Ongoing reconstruction of streets, sidewalks, and stormwater systems to support industrial and mixed-use activity in northeast Minneapolis.
• 10th Avenue South Bridge over the Midtown Greenway: Full reconstruction of a historic structure, with work continuing through the construction season.
• Nicollet Avenue Bridge over Minnehaha Creek: Structural repairs and long-term replacement work extending into future construction cycles.

Public Impact

City officials expect traffic disruptions, detours, and temporary road closures throughout the construction season, particularly during peak summer months.

To assist residents, Minneapolis maintains an online construction dashboard that provides:

• Real-time project timelines and updates
• Road closure and detour information
• Search tools for neighborhood-specific construction activity

Residents can also contact the city through its 311 service line for additional information or to report issues related to construction activity.

Infrastructure and Public Health Priorities

The 2026 construction program includes continued efforts to remove lead service lines, a long-term public health initiative tied to improving drinking water safety. Officials have indicated a goal of completing lead line replacement within targeted areas, including parts of north Minneapolis, as part of broader environmental and equity-focused infrastructure planning.

Flood mitigation work, including expanded stormwater systems and green infrastructure elements, is also a key component of the construction plan, aimed at reducing the impact of heavy rainfall and improving water management.

Outlook

The 2026 construction season represents one of the city’s larger coordinated infrastructure efforts, combining transportation, water system, and environmental improvements into a single program year.

Officials advise residents to monitor project updates regularly as construction activity progresses across Minneapolis.

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