Construction on the bridge began Monday at 5 a.m.
MINNEAPOLIS — No more scenic walks or photo shoots on the historic Stone Arch Bridge… for the next two years, anyway.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) crews will close half of the bridge at a time for repairs. The St. Anthony Main side of the bridge closed starting Monday at 5 a.m.
“Two more days in my spot, and then no more,” busker Clawhammer Mike said on Saturday.
Locals and tourists filled the bridge Saturday as temps peaked for the first 80-degree day of the year at MSP Airport.
“How lucky are we to get to step out here right before it gets going to construction under this lovely weather?” CJ Johnson said.
The bridge connects two sides of Minneapolis over the Mississippi River. Built in the 1880s, the structure needs repairs to the mortar that holds it together, according to MnDOT. Rocks and stones will also be replaced or repaired as needed. MnDOT writes that the project’s goal is to preserve the bridge for the future.
“I’m in full agreement with it, it just sucks for me,” Clawhammer Mike said. “This is both my therapy spot and my place to make a little dough.”
He vows to return to his favorite spot when construction is over. “Creature of habit so I’m sure I’ll be back in two years,” he said.
Until then, detour routes to get across the river can be found here