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Tanager Bridge reconstruction

County Road 15 in Orono

Hennepin County is planning to replace the Shoreline Drive Bridge (County Road 15) over Tanager Lake, frequently referred to as Tanager Bridge.

Construction began in March 2021. Until replacement, the bridge remains load restricted. Law enforcement is enforcing these restrictions.

Project timeline showing planning and design phases are completed. Construction and project completion are expected for 2021.

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Fall construction activities underway

Shoreline Drive at the Tanager Bridge closed for 30 days 

On Tuesday, September 7, crews resumed construction activities on the Tanager Bridge in Orono. 

Crews completed most of the work on the new bridge earlier this summer. Construction then was paused to allow people to travel on Shoreline Drive and the Tanager Lake Channel during the peak summer months.  

The remaining work requires us to close the bridge to complete the remaining tasks. There will also be periodic closures of the channel. Barring any delays or weather, we anticipate the bridge being closed for 30 calendar days. 

During the Shoreline Drive closure, crews will:  

  • Remove the existing bridge   
  • Realign the road to the new bridge   
  • Install new curbs and gutters   
  • Pave and stripe the new road connections   
  • Improve erosion protections along the shoreline   

Once we are done with this work, we will then reopen the road you will be able to enjoy travelling on the new bridge. Crews will remain on site to complete work for a few weeks, but any traffic impacts should be minimal.  

Through traffic will need to use the signed detour  

All through traffic on Shoreline Drive, including large and heavy commercial vehicles, will need to use the detour taking: 

  • Highway 12  
  • Wayzata Boulevard (County Road 112)  
  • Watertown Road / 6th Avenue (County Road 6)  
  • Shadywood Road / North Shore Drive (County Road 19)  

Using these signed detours will keep you from experiencing additional delays and getting frustrated. And, it helps local streets stay safe for the individuals and families who live, work and play in the area. 

People walking, biking and rolling will need to use other local routes as the bridge will be fully closed and the area will be an active construction site. 

Maintaining local access up to the bridge  

While the bridge is closed, we will continue to provide access to help people get to the marinas, other businesses and homes near the construction area. 

Tanager Bridge detour map

View of the signed detour map.

Expect weekday closures at the Tanager Lake Channel

We are also closing the Tanager Lake Channel on weekdays from Wednesday, September 8 through Monday, September 20. The channel will be open on the weekends.

The weekday closures will allow crews to safely remove the old bridge and construct the shoreline along the southern half of the channel.

We will have signs and buoys at both ends of the channel to inform people of the closure.

View the online open house

We hosted a construction open house on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 prior to start of construction. We provided attendees with information including the expected improvements, closures and detour information. View the recording below.

 

To only view the presentation slides, click on the link below. You can also view images of the project layout and official detour map we shared at the open house.

Tanager Bridge online open house presentation (PDF)

View of the expected improvements

Tanager Bridge project layout

Expected changes and improvements to the new bridge and connecting roadway on Shoreline Drive. To view a larger image of the layout, click on the link below.

Tanager Bridge changes and improvements (PNG)

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