1st Ave S. reconstruction, Grant St - Franklin Ave

Key information

Dates

2026

Location

1st. Ave S. from Grant St to Franklin Ave

Loring Park Steven's Square-Loring Heights

Project goals

Improve safety and mobility for all people and modes of travel.
Install an All Ages and Abilities bikeway facility.
Find opportunities for green storm water improvements, plantings, and trees.
Accommodate property access for people.
Incorporate existing City policies.

Project overview

The City is rebuilding about half a mile of 1st Avenue South, from Grant Street to Franklin Avenue. Right now, this part of the street has sidewalks on both sides, a protected bike lane that goes both ways, one or two driving lanes, and parking on both sides for most of the stretch. Traffic only goes north on this part of the street.

The area is mostly homes, with some businesses and schools nearby. The project will rebuild the entire street, including:

new sidewalks, ramps that are easier for people with disabilities to use,
better bike paths, new pavement, curbs, and updates to water and sewer systems
new traffic signals, street signs, and road paint where needed.

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View interactive map

Construction update

Construction for the project is ongoing.

North of I-94 Bridge

Contractor will be installing storm sewer and watermain within 16^th St & Intersection
Contractor is in progress with deep sanitary installation between 15^th St – 14^th St.
Grading will be in progress the week of June 15^thin preparation for asphalt paving the week of June 22^nd
You may notice increased activity from north of the bridge to 14^th St due to materials and equipment being delivered, and crews preparing the work zone.

South of I-94 Bridge

Contractor is in progress with tunnel removal
18^th St. Intersection is currently shut down from west and eastbound traffic due to tunnel removal.

Project detours are currently in effect.
During this time, please expect:

Detour routes and temporary traffic changes
Movement of large construction equipment
Ongoing material deliveries
Regular contractor presence in the area

Traffic impacts

CenterPoint Energy has completed their work within 1st Ave S Corridor between Grant and Franklin with some minor restoration work ongoing.
Hennepin County's Project at Eastbound of Franklin Ave. is underway. More information about this project can be found on the Hennepin County project page.

Hennepin County - Franklin Ave Reconstruction web page

Weekly stakeholder meeting

Join us at the 1st Ave S. reconstruction, Grant St - Franklin Ave weekly stakeholder meetings. This weekly meeting will provide an overview of the project, construction details, and upcoming project work information. The weekly stakeholder meetings began on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Fridays
10 - 11 a.m.
via Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 272 984 555 164 46
Passcode: Lq3P8NE7

Join the 1st Ave S. reconstruction, Grant St - Franklin Ave weekly stakeholder meeting

Accessing the weekly stakeholder meeting via your mobile device may require downloading of the Microsoft Teams app to your mobile device.

Call in, audio only participation: 612-276-6670
Phone conference ID: 820 203 675#

Help with Microsoft Teams

Anyone can join a Microsoft Teams web meeting. A free software download may be required. The type of download may vary based on how you join the meeting (computer, android device, apple device).

Learn more about Microsoft Teams

Past project meetings