St. Paul Reopens Kellogg Boulevard Bridge to Pedestrians
The newly reconstructed bridge now provides expanded trails for cyclists and foot traffic in downtown Saint Paul.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The city of St. Paul has officially reopened the Kellogg Boulevard Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists following a two-year reconstruction project. This major infrastructure milestone reconnects vital corridors above Interstate 94.
Why it matters
The full-scale replacement was necessary after structural analysis revealed significant deterioration that had forced the city to restrict traffic on the previous deck years prior. The new design ensures the long-term safety of a critical artery serving thousands of daily travelers.
The completed project cost $92.7 million to construct the 2,107-foot bridge span. It features four vehicle lanes and two 12-foot-wide trails to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians.
The players
St. Paul
The capital city of Minnesota manages the infrastructure and public works projects within its municipal boundaries.
The details
The massive project required a complete tear-down of the previous structure that had carried 14,000 cars per day. The new bridge is supported by 12 piers and two abutments to safely span Interstate 94 and the active railroad junction below.
Timeline
The original Third Street Viaduct was built in 1930.
A second incarnation of the bridge was constructed in 1982.
The city reduced traffic lanes and sidewalk widths in 2014.
The bridge closed in July 2024 for a full reconstruction.
The bridge is expected to open to vehicular traffic on November 15.
Market Landscape
This project highlights a broader trend of replacing aging urban infrastructure built in the mid-20th century to meet modern safety and multimodal transportation standards. The reliance on diverse funding streams reflects the competitive arms race among cities to secure limited federal and state grants for massive capital repairs.
Commuters and local residents can now use the dedicated pedestrian and bicycle trails to cross above the highway system. Drivers should prepare for the return of vehicular traffic to the bridge in mid-November, which will alter downtown traffic patterns.
The takeaway
This project modernizes a key city thoroughfare to improve both transit capacity and safety for non-motorized users. Residents should monitor local traffic announcements as the city prepares for the final phase of the reopening next month.
What happens next
The bridge is scheduled to reopen to all vehicular traffic on November 15, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure projects on the Openings & Closings section page.
More information
View the latest bridge construction progress and information on the official city portal.
Live Poll
Do you support the city's investment in large-scale bridge and transit infrastructure improvements in your area?
