Little more than a week before the start of University of Minnesota classes, Hennepin County announced restrictions for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the upper deck of the Washington Avenue bridge, which connects the Minneapolis campus’ East and West banks.

Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be limited to the inner, covered section of the bridge.

The original Aug. 22 announcement from Hennepin County — which took over authority of the bridge in 1997 — stated that no traffic, foot or bike, would be allowed on the outdoor areas on either side of the bridge, but would instead share the middle area.

On Aug. 21, a study by the engineering firm URS Corporation — prepared in the course of engineering and repair work previously authorized for the upper deck — recommended the deck’s outdoor areas be closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

While an email earlier this week from University of Minnesota Vice President for University Services Kathy O’Brien stated that the outside portions would be open to bike traffic, county officials decided decided to limit use of the outer portions completely until the deck is strengthened, stated O’Brien.

The Hennepin County release cited safety concerns and stated that extra braces would be added to the bridge.

No new restrictions were placed on the lower bridge deck, which carries vehicle traffic across the Mississippi River and is restricted to vehicles of “legal weight,” according to the release.

In an email sent to university students, faculty and staff, University of Minnesota Vice President for University Services Kathy O’Brien asked that people use caution on the bridge, “especially on the bridge head where pedestrians and bicyclists will cross paths.” Bicyclists are expected to walk their bikes across the covered part of the bridge.

The work is expected to be completed this spring, wrote O’Brien.

last revised: September 5, 2008

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