With spring finals wrapping up at the University of Minnesota, a major campus thoroughfare is closing next week for Central Corridor light-rail construction, Minneapolis officials said.

The closure of Washington Avenue starts Monday just after midnight and involves two sections: from Pleasant Street to Walnut Street and from Walnut Street to Oak Street.

The Washington Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River will stay open through most of the construction, the city said, although some evening or weekend closures may be needed.

For information on the Central Corridor light-rail project, go to www.centralcorridor.org and click on "East Bank 2011 Construction Overview."  

PAUL WALSH