Public opinion sought on bike, pedestrian improvements to John Ireland Boulevard bridge

Kristi Belcamino, Pioneer Press
Updated ·1 min read

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking the public to weigh in on bicycle and pedestrian lanes slated for St. Paul’s John Ireland Boulevard bridge, which is set to be taken down and rebuilt to improve its structural integrity.

The bridge, built in 1967, spans Interstate 94 between Kellogg Boulevard and Rice Street. MnDOT said that while the bridge is safe, the overhaul will help future-proof it based on modern weight limits for vehicles.

The new version of the bridge is to be built with the same footprint as the existing bridge, which carries four lanes of traffic, but it will include sidewalk repairs, accessibly updates and railing replacements along with the bike and pedestrian lanes.

MnDOT said the project should kick off in 2025 with some painting and restriping. Construction is slated for 2026.

The department is asking for public feedback on three options for the bridge layout that envision different versions of the bicycle and pedestrian lanes.

Input is welcome at a community meeting that can be attended in person or virtually. The event is 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave. in St. Paul. If planning to attend virtually, register at pipr.es/KIRIn35. A recording will be posted.

Learn more about this project at pipr.es/1adaWVl.

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