Major construction on the Hennepin and First roadway improvement project is now complete and most sidewalks, bike paths, and lanes have reopened.
There may be short-term, single-lane closures as crews finish minor tasks and remove equipment before the winter weather arrives.
Thank you for your patience throughout construction.
Key improvements
The completed project incorporates key priorities influenced by what we heard from local businesses and residents during the community engagement efforts. Some of the improvements include:
- Protected bike lanes
- Improved accessibility
- Calmer traffic and speed reductions
- Transit priority lanes for buses from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The lanes are available for parking on weekday evenings, and 24 hours a day on weekends.
- Wider sidewalks and safer crossings
- Greener infrastructure, including boulevard plantings and storm water improvements
Project wrap-up tasks next year
Although major construction is finished, there are a few tasks that will take place in 2025. You can expect to see project staff on-site next season as we complete:
- Permanent pavement markings for transit priority lanes
- Tree planting
- Installation of rain gardens to capture and filter rainwater runoff
View this short recorded presentation to learn about the Hennepin and First project.
Hennepin and First project construction video (YouTube)
Recommended concept
With community feedback throughout a two-year planning period, we developed a final design for Hennepin and First avenues.
The design prioritizes safety, using:
- Separated bike paths
- Transit priority lanes
- Wider sidewalks
- Green infrastructure additions
- Storm water improvements
View the recommended concept – 2024 (PDF)
Project location
