Fort Snelling Tunnel (Bridge 27027)
See features of the bridge
History and significance
The Fort Snelling Tunnel, constructed in 1961, carries State Highway 5 (West 7th Street) under historic Fort Snelling in Hennepin County. In response to concerns about nearby historic Fort Snelling, the concrete tunnel of rigid frame design allowed State Highway 5 to pass beneath the historic fort rather than bisecting the site and severing the fort’s physical connection to other parts of the historic property. The tunnel is significant as an example of the local impact of and response to highway development and the avoidance of impacts to historic and cultural resources. It is also significant as an example of a concrete tunnel of rigid frame design, which was an uncommon bridge type at the time of construction.
Location
City of Minneapolis (Hennepin County)
Latitude, Longitude:
44.89315832, -93.18278720
Bridge features
Design and construction of a concrete tunnel, which was uncommon in the post-World War II era.
Design and construction to avoid impacts to historic and natural resources during post-war highway development period.