The Stone Arch Bridge has been closed for repairs since May. These repairs include repointing mortar on the entire bridge, repairing and replacing stones as well as any additional repairs as required.
The Stone Arch Bridge was constructed between 1881 and 1883. Through its nearly 140 years of use, the bridge has seen around half a dozen repairs, including replacing 23 spans of the original bridge with a 196-foot Warren steel deck truss as part of the Upper Harbor Project.
Costing around $38.5 million dollars, the main goals of these repairs to the Stone Arch Bridge are to help preserve the bridge for the future and to improve its structural condition.
As of November 2023, more than 250 tons of stone have been removed from the underside of the bridge, and about half of those stones have been replaced with new limestone blocks as they arrive at the bridge site.
Currently, pedestrians can enter the bridge on the downtown side and walk across half of the bridge before running into the closure and being forced to turn around. As construction continues, the other side of the bridge will open up and workers will start repairs on the opposite side.
“So far we are on track to reopen the bridge in the fall of next year,” said Jesse Johnson, communications and engagement coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. “Our website says Spring 2026 for project completion, but we will be reopening the bridge in the fall.”
The iconic Stone Arch bridge is being repaired and remodeled on all sides for its reopening in the fall of 2025. (Aidan Stromdahl)
Suspended scaffolding and work areas set up along the wall and foundation of the bridge. (Aidan Stromdahl)
Workers sprayed and cleaned one of the bridge’s arches. (Aidan Stromdahl)