Sigh. The Washington Ave Bridge is fuxored for the forseeable future. Avoid the bridge during 9-5 weekdays at all costs. At least the mopeds can’t get across the ped bridge now.

This is to update you on the latest developments
regarding the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.

Based on the recommendations of engineering consultants,
Hennepin County officials have closed the outside
portions of the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.
While other scenarios were considered as fencing was
constructed, county officials decided that use of the
pedestrian level must be limited until the deck is
strengthened. As of this afternoon, all pedestrians
and bicyclists must use the middle area inside the
covered enclosure.

To keep everyone safe, bicyclists should dismount and
walk their bikes across the bridge. The solution is
certainly not ideal and the congestion on the bridge
will be significant. Please continue to be considerate
and cooperative to other members of the University
community.

I understand the University community’s concern over
the bridge closure and the frustration with the changing
plans. I have stressed to Hennepin County officials the
vital role the bridge plays in the daily life of the
University and will continue to work closely with County
officials to protect the safety of our community and ensure
adequate pedestrian and bicycle movement across the
Mississippi River. Hennepin County is working to fast
track the project and work is expected to be completed
in the spring. We will continue to provide updates
throughout the project.

Press release 08/29/2008:

Hennepin County crews will begin structural repairs to the bridge in the coming weeks
and work is expected to be completed in the spring.

The fence is up on one side and almost done on the other. Looks like this could be open as soon as Friday (08/29). A few more photos in my flickr stream.

I’m verbally harsh on mopeds that ride across this PEDESTRIAN bridge but if I see any going down these narrow fenced in bike lanes I am going to freak the fuck out.

You may have noticed the Washington Ave Bridge is closed, sorta. I received this explanation in my inbox on 08/22/2008.

As I type, they are installing fence posts outside the enclosure. I’d assume chain link fence to go between them providing a east and west bike lane on either side of the enclosure. As you can see in the picture. More in my photostream.

Talked with three older gents working for the Hennepin County engineering crew. I asked if this would be done by the time classes start at the U (roughly September 2nd). They said “For sure”

I thanked them for working so quickly on this issue and that we cyclists appreciate it very much. If you see the workers on the bridge as you are cycling by give them a shout of thanks.

Update 08/29/2008.

Someone grab a wooden stake and make sure that it is really really dead.

The Met Council voted 11-1 to accept the Washington Avenue plan for the LRT Central Corridor. With the University of Minnesota’s representative being the only NO vote.

“The resolution that we passed today does close the door on the northern alignment,” said Peter Bell, who chairs both the planning committee and the Met Council.

I’m so glad that this project is moving forward. My only fear now is that the Fed will use this infighting as an excuse to not give us the funding we need.

More Central Corridor nonsense from the University.

Then Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, whose district includes the university, introduced a pre-vetted resolution calling on the panel to adopt the Washington Avenue route and end any further discussion or study of the Dinkytown detour. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak seconded it. Everyone except O’Brien said they supported it, including Bob McFarlin, Pawlenty’s assistant transportation commissioner.

Then Bell told the story of Bruininks’ call to Pawlenty and the request from the governor’s office. Bell said the extra week was “in deference to the university.”

O’Brien thanked everyone and after the meeting said, “Right now, the university needs to take a step back and say, ‘What are the benefits and risks involved?’ “

Give me a fucking break.