Gawkers asked to avoid Lowry Bridge implosion
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Hennepin County officials are advising that people stay away from the Lowry Avenue bridge area during the implosion on Sunday.
Officials will establish a 1,000-foot perimeter around the century-old bridge. Nearby businesses and trees will further limit visibility.
"Once you're outside of the 1,000-foot safety perimeter, there really isn't anywhere you can see," Cara Lee, Hennepin County Public Affairs spokesperson said.
The bridge will be imploded to make way for new construction of a replacement bridge this fall.
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Hennepin County engineers ordered the landmark bridge closed in April 2008 due to structural problems with one of the bridge's piers. In 2004, bridge engineers discovered that one of the piers had rotated 11 inches out of vertical alignment. Further rotation of the pier led engineers to conclude that the bridge posed an unacceptable risk to the traveling public.
The bridge spans the Mississippi River, connecting north and northeast Minneapolis. The structure, built in 1905, was last substantially renovated in 1958.
The explosion will take place at 9 a.m. Residents can expect to hear a loud boom. "Don't be scared," Lee said. "It's just part of what's going on that morning at the implosion site."
Several blocks will be closed from about 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Lowry Avenue road closure will expand to include Lowry Avenue N from N. 2nd Street to Grand Street NE. Marshall Street NE will close from 23rd Avenue NE to 26th Avenue NE.
