Hennepin and First roadway improvements

Ongoing and upcoming work

View this short recorded presentation to learn about the Hennepin and First project, the planned improvements, and the construction schedule.

• Hennepin and First project construction video (YouTube)

Construction updates

September through late October: Crews will be moving around frequently throughout the project area.

The work in the final weeks will include:

• Pouring concrete sidewalks, curbs, and ramps
• Coordinating on utility work, including water pipes and fire hydrants
• Adding topsoil and seeding
• Completing a mill and overlay of new asphalt on First Avenue
• Diamond grinding pavement on Hennepin and Main
• Installing the bikeway medians
• Removing the temporary signals and installing new signals
• Striping the lane markings
• Reopening the streets to traffic

Hennepin and First are on schedule to reopen to traffic in late-October, weather permitting. Any heavy or extended rains or significant snowfall could delay the work into early November. 

Closures and lane reductions

Hennepin Avenue is reduced to a single lane between Main Street NE and 8th Street SE.

First Avenue NE is reduced to a single lane between 7th Street SE and Main Street NE. 

Recommended concept

With community feedback throughout a two-year planning period, we developed a final design for Hennepin and First avenues.

The design prioritizes safety, using:

• Separated bike paths
• Transit priority lanes
• Wider sidewalks
• Green infrastructure additions
• Storm water improvements

View the recommended concept – 2024 (PDF) 

Project location