This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.
About this project
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In 2023-2024 MnDOT replaced the Mendota Bridge railing as part of a project to restore the bridge to its historical nature. In review, MnDOT made the determination to raise the railing from its original 42 inches in heights, which followed federal guidelines and safety standards, to 54 inches, while still working to preserve the historic nature of the bridge.
Prior to 2024, the metal ornamental railing on the Mendota Bridge was in very poor condition and needed to be updated with a goal of meeting all standards. During the design for the railing process, the team ran into the following concerns due to the historic nature of the bridge:
- Bike/Pedestrian railing height
- Historic railing height (from 1926-1994)- 42 inches
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) minimum height standards- 42 inches
- MnDOT standard railing height- 54 inches
In 2026, MnDOT will retrofit a railing to raise the overall height of the metal railing to 54 inches while still following the historic preservation requirements including section 106 to avoid the adverse impact to the character defining features of the bridge. To learn more about historic bridges, visit the MnDOT Historic bridges webpage.
Summary of work
- Raise the the bridge railing on the Mendota Bridge over the Minnesota River to 54 inches in height
Traffic impacts
All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.
Upcoming
Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be provided as details become available. Pedestrians and bicyclists can expect a trail closure over the bridge to last through fall 2026; however, we do everything we can to minimize impacts and may open earlier if construction is complete. Motorists can also anticipate narrowed lanes over the Mendota Bridge during construction.