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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 is scheduled to begin 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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Construction on schedule for May bridge reopening  

Since we closed Tanager Bridge on March 8, crews have been working hard to complete planned construction activities including necessary tree clearing and dirt removal from around the project site. 

We expect to use the remainder of the 60-day closure. Weather permitting, we anticipate reopening the bridge on schedule in May. 

Erosion protection, bridge work underway; utility work to follow  

Last week, crews began constructing a retaining wall to help build up the road base to support the future alignment of Shoreline Drive.  

They also began installing riprap sloping along the Tanager Channel shoreline and preparing to construct the new bridge foundations. Riprap slopes, which are comprised of large rocks, help protect bridge abutments and shorelines from erosion. 

Soon, crews will begin relocating the Metropolitan Council’s nearby sanitary sewer system.  

Each of these activities will take up to a few weeks. Completing them will allow us to build the new bridge in its future alignment and keep Tanager Bridge open through the summer months.

Through traffic: use the signed detour

All through traffic on Shoreline Drive, including large and heavy commercial vehicles, needs to use the signed detour:

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

Using the signed detour will keep you from experiencing additional delays and getting frustrated. And, it will help local streets stay safe for the individuals and families who live 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 residential access up to the bridge

While Tanager Bridge is closed, we will continue to provide residential and business access to help people get to the marinas, other businesses and homes near the bridge. 

Tanager Bridge detour map

View of the signed detour map.

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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