Central city tunnel construction

The City is constructing a new stormwater tunnel below Washington Ave. S. in downtown.

Key information

Dates

2021 - June 2024

Location

The new tunnel's location is under Washington Ave. S. between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. It will run parallel to the existing tunnel. We will also make an existing tunnel bigger under Chicago Ave. between Washington Ave and the river.

Downtown East Downtown West

Project overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department will be constructing a new storm tunnel.

Goals

The goals of this project are to:

  • increase the amount of stormwater the Central City tunnels can handle
  • reduce the possibility of the existing tunnel failing

Additionally, a new tunnel will:

  • Reduce pressure in the existing tunnel.
  • Provide more room for future growth.
  • Reduce the need for future repairs.

Project location

The new tunnel will be constructed parallel to an existing tunnel. The new tunnel will be located under Washington Ave. S. between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave.

We will enlarge the existing tunnel, which is located under Chicago Ave. between Washington Ave. S. and the Mississippi River.

About the Central City Tunnel System

The Central City Tunnel System is a system of stormwater tunnels that are built deep into the sandstone ground in Minneapolis. The tunnels are approximately 70 feet below the street surface and collect stormwater runoff for nearly all of downtown.

Read the preliminary design study

Traffic impacts

Traffic impacts will include temporary parking and traffic lane closure in a one block area near each of four access points. 

Pedestrian and local access will be maintained. Detour routes will be posted during construction.

Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Tunnel access locations

During construction, four access points will be used for tunnel access and construction staging.

  • Mill Ruins Park near the Mississippi River
  • 2nd Ave. S., north of Washington Ave. S.
  • Washington Ave. S., east of Hennepin Ave.
  • Washington Ave. S., east of Portland Ave.

Aside from the four tunnel access locations, construction of the new tunnel will occur underground.

View the access locations on the map in the resources provided below:

 

Barring any unforeseen issues, major work will be completed at the 2nd Avenue and Portland Avenue access shafts by mid-June. Traffic will be restored to its preconstruction condition. 

Project update - May 31, 2024

We send out regular email updates for this project.

Project phase

The Central City project is in progress as of September 1, 2021.

Input

Design

In Progress

Complete

Construction worker looking into Central City Tunnel
Construction worker looking into Central City Tunnel
Workers inspect the old Central City Tunnel below downtown
Workers inspect the old Central City Tunnel below downtown
Ice build-up in central city stormwater tunnel
Ice build-up in central city stormwater tunnel
Construction worker looking into Central City Tunnel
Crews mine the tunnel and installed ground control. Crews have removed 67,800 tons of material. This is equal to the weight of over 6 Eiffel Towers.
Worker inspect the old Central City Tunnel below downtown
Crews reinforce the new walls and floor with steel to prepare them for lining with concrete.
Central City Tunnel below downtown
Central City Tunnel below downtown

Contact us

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Team

Phone

612-888-9418

Joe Klejwa

Professional Engineer
Public Works

Phone

612-673-5608