Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces parkway, path closures to promote social distancing

In an effort to promote social distancing in the midst of a statewide stay at home order, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is implementing some path and road closures.

According to a release, sections of West River Parkway and SE Main Street will close by 5 p.m. Friday and will remain in place until April 10 at 5 p.m.

During that time, West River Parkway will close between Plymouth Avenue North and 11th Avenue South. One lane will remain open for access to the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot and parking serving part of South Second Street.

Additionally, SE Main Street will completely close between Hennepin Avenue and Third Avenue SE, as will Merriam Street. The eastbound lane of Main Street will close between Third and Sixth avenues. The southbound lane of Sixth Avenue SE will also close between SE Main Street and the Stone Arch Bridge.

Officials said the closures are in an effort to promote increased distance between those using paths. During the closures, officials said:

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

MPRB officials are asking those who feel sick or have symptoms such as a fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and/or sore throat not to use city paths or parks.