Stone Arch Bridge reopens months ahead of schedule

The Stone Arch Bridge opened Monday afternoon, months earlier than first expected.

Officials held a private ribbon-cutting at 2 p.m., just before the historic pedestrian crossing over the Mississippi River reopened to the public.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger thanked federal, local and state partners for helping to fund the repairs, as well as community members and area business owners for being patient while work was underway.

“We’re committed to limiting disruptions and maintaining access to the best of our ability,” she said. “I’m proud to say we’re able to put that into practice with this project, closing half of the bridge at a time to allow safe public access to part of the bridge while the crews complete the preservation work.”

Gov. Tim Walz echoed that sentiment with a nod to other construction projects in the area.

“If it feels like there’s a lot of construction going on around infrastructure, the reason is that there is,” he said. “It’s about investing in the future.”

An additional public celebration will be held Aug. 9.

Nathan and Kim Thompson of Shoreview said they were excited to walk on the bridge again.

“We did come for walks quite often, but we’re hoping to do more now,” Kim Thompson said. “It’s beautiful.”

Sarah and Mark Loechler and their dog Luna also came to walk the bridge. The Robbinsdale couple heard about the reopening and were excited to see what had changed in the area, though the work done on the bridge was mostly restorative.

“We came a couple of times and just watched the workers when they were hanging over the edge and stuff,” Sarah Loechler said. “It was just hard to believe it’s open so early, so much sooner than they expected.”

The landmark bridge built by railroad magnate James J. Hill to carry the Minneapolis Union Railroad over the Mississippi River was closed in 2024 as MnDOT embarked on a $138 million renovation and restoration project.

The bridge had been set to open to pedestrians and cyclists in October, with some work continuing until 2026.

But a favorable winter allowed contractors Kraemer North America, American Masonry and J.F. Brennan to stay on the job during months when most construction work grinds to a halt, said Tim Nelson, director of construction for MnDOT’s Metro District.

“They had a very good plan to finish the work; they executed it flawlessly without any unexpected issues,” Nelson said.

During the cold months, crews were able to take out worn stones and mortar that needed to be replaced so they could put in the new material when spring arrived, saving valuable time, Nelson said.

Built of limestone, the bridge is a designated National Historic Engineering Landmark. Contractors used limestone from quarries in Mankato, Stone City, Iowa, and Bridgeport, Wis., to make the repairs. They were the same quarries that supplied the limestone when the Stone Arch Bridge was built, Nelson said.