Reconstruction of Penn Avenue Begins Wednesday in Southwest Minneapolis

Penn Avenue's Southwest Minneapolis stretch will begin getting a facelift Wednesday.

The Minneapolis Department of Public Works recently announced Phase I of the avenue's reconstruction would begin Wednesday, April 10.

Beginning Wednesday, the Penn Avenue will be closed to thru traffic between West 54th and 60th streets. Vehicle and bus traffic will be detoured to Xerxes Avenue via Highway 62 and West 50th Street. Richfield's side of Penn Avenue could also see an increase in traffic as a result of the detour.

According to public works, all east/west cross-streets, including 60th and 54th streets, will remain open until further notice. In addition, all businesses will remain open, and access to those businesses will be maintained as much as possible.

According to the project's webpage, the revamp will include removal and replacement of the pavement, curb and gutter, driveway aprons, storm drain inlets, and signal upgrades. Phase I is expected to take the entirety of the 2013 construction season.

In addition, public works included the following information in an e-newsletter:

Starting Wednesday April 10, the Minneapolis Park Board will begin removing Ash Trees along Penn Avenue between Mn-62 and W 54th St. Due to the large size of these trees, sections of Penn Ave will be closed while the trees in that area are being cut. NO PARKING signs will be posted early next week for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week. Expect roadway closures for short durations (4-6 hours) while trees are being removed in each section. Tree removal should be completed by April 15. The tree stumps will be ground out at a later date by the Contractor.

Starting Monday April 15, both CenterPoint Energy and Meyer Contracting will mobilize to the site and begin setting up to start work.

The entire reconstruction project encompasses Penn Avenue from Highway 62 to 100 feet north of 54th Street. The area from 50th to just north of 54th will be completed in 2014.

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