Reopening of historic 3rd Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis delayed to 2023

A major and historic bridge in Minneapolis will not reopen next month as initially planned.

The Third Avenue or Highway 65 bridge over the Mississippi River, which connects the northeast part of the city to downtown, closed early last year for construction.

RELATED: Historic 3rd Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis closes for nearly 2 years

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is working to replace the bridge deck, repair the ornamental railing and update lighting on the 103-year-old bridge.

While the project was scheduled to wrap up in November, MnDOT now says it will continue through next summer.

“After assessing the overall schedule and work to be completed, we are unable to reopen the bridge in fall 2022 without creating safety issues for the public and construction crews. The bridge is now anticipated to reopen to traffic in summer 2023,” the department says on its project page.

MnDOT has scheduled a virtual public meeting to provide updates on the project on Oct. 11 at 5 p.m.

Once finished, MnDOT says travelers will enjoy a smoother road surface, improved safety and enhanced visual features.