10th Avenue Bridge

History

Construction on the current bridge began in 1926, and it was completed in 1929. It was built to alleviate the traffic flows on the bridges serving downtown. The total length is 2,174.9 ft, with two central spans each 265.5 ft across. It has an open spandrel arch design, and it is constructed of reinforced concrete. Higher and longer than any preceding bridge in the region, it was originally 2,921 ft in overall length, 698 ft longer than the nearby Third Avenue Bridge. It stands 110 ft above the water's surface. The budgeted cost of the bridge in 1922 was US$943,209.71. For many years it was the river crossing for Minnesota State Highway 36.

A major restoration was undertaken in 1972–1976, and the approach spans were altered (they were not considered architecturally significant, even when the bridge was new). The south approach span was relocated to go straight to Washington Avenue.

The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Roads in the vicinity were disrupted by the construction of Interstate 35W and a corresponding bridge (completed 1967; collapsed in 2007) one to two blocks upstream. During the days immediately following the I-35W bridge collapse, the 10th Avenue Bridge was closed to traffic, then later reopened; it was one of the most used locations from which to view the wreckage and the recovery efforts.

The bridge was reported to be deteriorating in 2015. It was closed in 2020 to replace the bridge deck and other deteriorating concrete components. It re-opened to traffic and pedestrians in November 2021.

Gallery

References

and I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge

References

1. [https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/10th-ave-se-bridge-water/ 10th Ave. bridge and water main project]. City of Minneapolis, 2019
2. Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff - Tenth Avenue Bridge. Engineering Report. N.p.: Minnesota Department of Highways, 1968. Copy in MNDOT file for bridge 2796.
3. [https://www.dot.state.mn.us/historicbridges/bridge/2796/bridge-report.pdf Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)Local Historic Bridge Report- Abridged, Bridge Number:2796]. State of Minnesota Department of Transportation, LHB, Mead & Hunt. September 2014
4. (1996). [https://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/bridges/nrhecab/nrheced.html Minnesota's Historic Bridges: Cedar Avenue Bridge.] {{Webarchive. link. (2005-03-12 [[Minnesota Historical Society]].)
5. Bjork, Kenneth - Saga in Steel and Concrete: Norwegian Engineers in America. Northfield, Minn.: Norwegian-American Historical Association, 1947.
6. "Minnesota Senate approves renaming Minneapolis bridge in honor of late DFL Sen. Kari Dziedzic".
7. "Twin Cities News 10th Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis dedicated to former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic".
8. Millett, Larry - [https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-had-two-10th-avenue-bridges-one-remains-standing-the-other-left-behind-rare-ruins/600067201/ The colorful, confusing history of the two 10th Avenue Bridges in Minneapolis]. Star Tribune, June 11, 2021
9. [https://collections.mnhs.org/cms/display.php?irn=10722912 Stone Arch Bridge and Tenth Avenue wagon bridge, Minneapolis.]. Minnesota Historical Society. Photograph dated c1905
10. SRF, Olson and Nesvold Engineers, and Hess Roise Historical Consultants - 10th Avenue SE River Bridge Rehabilitations Strategies Study. Prepared for the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works. April 2014
11. Western Magazine Volume 20, Number 5. United States: E.L. DeLestry, November 1922.
12. Robert M. Frame III - "The Cedar Avenue Bridge." National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1989.
13. (3 August 2007). "Other bridges closed near 35W bridge collapse".
14. Sturdevant, Lori - [https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-s-bridges-are-still-out-there-aging/302251741/ Minnesota's bridges are still out there, aging]. Star Tribune May 1, 2015
15. Harlow, Tim - [https://www.startribune.com/road-construction-season-begins-with-monday-closure-of-10th-avenue-bridge-in-minneapolis/569159352/ Road construction season begins with Monday closure of 10th Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis]. Star Tribune, March 27, 2020