Mississippi River Boulevard and Trail to Close May 10 for Construction of MRB Crossing

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (April 28, 2021)Beginning, Monday, May 10, 2021, a portion of Mississippi River Boulevard, and the adjoining shared bike and pedestrian trail will be closed to all bike, pedestrian and vehicle traffic for construction of the Mississippi River Boulevard Crossing project at Highland Bridge. The road and trail closure will be located between Ford Parkway and Magoffin Avenue, and is expected to reopen fall 2021.

Bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles heading southbound on Mississippi River Boulevard from Ford Parkway will be able to access the Ford Dam Scenic Overlook and Mississippi River Overlook but will not be able to access Hidden Falls Drive. Those who want access to Hidden Falls Regional Park and its surrounding residential streets must use the designated detour. Similarly, bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles heading northbound on Mississippi River Boulevard will not be able to access the Mississippi River Overlook, Ford Dam Scenic Overlook or Ford Parkway.

•   Southbound Bicycle/Pedestrian Detour: East on Highland Parkway to Cleveland Avenue. South on Cleveland Avenue to Magoffin Avenue. West on Magoffin Avenue to Mississippi River Boulevard.
•   Northbound Bicycle/Pedestrian Detour: North on Mississippi River Boulevard to Magoffin Avenue. East on Magoffin Avenue to Cleveland Avenue. North on Cleveland Avenue to Highland Parkway. West on West Highland Parkway to Mississippi River Boulevard.
•   Southbound Vehicle Detour: East on Ford Parkway to Cleveland Avenue. South on Cleveland Avenue to Mississippi River Boulevard.
•   Northbound Vehicle Detour: North on Cleveland Avenue to Ford Parkway. West on Ford Parkway to Mississippi River Boulevard.

About the MRB Crossing at Highland Bridge Project

For the first phase of construction, Ryan Companies US, Inc. will create a new tunnel under Mississippi River Boulevard. This will provide a safe and direct connection between Highland Bridge and Hidden Falls Regional Park for bicyclists and pedestrians, adjacent to Hidden Falls Creek. On the south side of Mississippi River Boulevard, MRB Crossing users will connect to a new plaza space overlooking the falls and the creek valley.

The tunnel will reconnect and rejuvenate Hidden Falls Creek, which was formerly underground, sending a steady and predictable flow of clean water into the park and the Mississippi River. Previously, hard surfaces sent untreated runoff downstream, destabilizing the underground creek and sending untreated water into the Mississippi River. Highland Bridge’s central stormwater system will reduce discharge from the site to Hidden Falls by 98% and remove debris and sediment from the water.

“This project further enhances community connections, as well as the City of Saint Paul’s vision for Highland Bridge,” said Maureen Michalski, vice president of development, Ryan Companies. “The collective sustainability features of Highland Bridge are second to none in our region thanks to the support and commitment of our public and private partners.”

Funding is currently being sought for the second phase of this project, which will connect the plaza space on the southeast side of Mississippi River Boulevard to the Mississippi River Trail. Stairs will also be added, connecting the new plaza overlook to Hidden Falls Regional Park and the Mississippi River below.

“The new Mississippi River Boulevard crossing is significant not only because of the safe access it provides to one of Saint Paul’s busiest regional parks, but also because of its ecological benefits,” said Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director Mike Hahm. “By daylighting Hidden Falls Creek, we are restoring habitat for wildlife, reducing pollution outflow to the Mississippi River, and providing residents and visitors with a renewed connection to nature after decades of heavy industrial use.”

Construction project timelines, including road and trail closures and detours are subject to change. This project aligns with the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

For more information, detour maps and updates with the Mississippi River Boulevard Crossing at Highland Bridge, visit highlandbridge.com.

About Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies offers comprehensive commercial real estate services as a national developer, architect, capital investment consultant, builder and real estate manager with a focus on bringing lasting value to its customers and the communities in which it works. Ryan market depth includes retail, industrial, healthcare and senior living. Ryan development and corporate build-to-suit work spans a wide range of product types including office, mixed-use, hospitality, multifamily housing and mission critical facilities. Ryan has nearly 1,500 employees in 15 offices and has completed projects in 39 states. For more information, visit ryancompanies.com.