Last segment of Lowry Avenue Bridge arches installed
03/01/2012
Two gray, gleaming bridge arches reaching 120 feet above the water now span the Mississippi River from North to Northeast Minneapolis.
On February 15 the contractor lifted the last segment of the Lowry Avenue Bridge arches into place with a crane. The keystone segment (of the northern arch) installed that morning is 40 feet long, weighs 73,000 pounds and has a cross-sectional area of 4 feet by 5 feet. The arch pieces are joined together by 16 bolts and welded around each interface.
“This is an impressive milestone in the effort to reopen, and keep open, a vital intra-city connector for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Patient neighbors and commuters are now truly able to see the finished product take shape – it’s a bold and stunning complement to the Minneapolis riverfront,” said Commissioner Mark Stenglein.
Construction on the bridge arches began in early December. The bridge arches are comprised of 22 pieces total – nine pieces per arch and four transverse pieces: The four base pieces weigh approximately 130,000 pounds each; the segments reaching out over the Mississippi River, weigh approximately 70-80,000 pounds each. The two keystone pieces weigh approximately 73,000 pounds each.
The arches reach a height of 90 feet above the yet-to-be-completed bridge deck and 120 feet above the water. This spring, the contractor will begin installing the stay cables and LED lighting system. The Lowry Avenue Bridge is scheduled to be completed by late summer. (Photos by by Randy Klauk.)