Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces riverfront parkway and road closures to help trail users maintain social distancing

Posted on 26 March, 2020

Following Gov. Walz’ Emergency Executive Order 20-20 Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) President Jono Cowgill and District 1 Commissioner Chris Meyer announced today that sections of West River Parkway and Main Street SE will close to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The riverfront parkway closures will begin by 5 pm Friday, March 27 and remain in place until the end of the Emergency Executive Order on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5 pm. Update: The Stay at Home Executive Order was extended to May 4, 2020, so the parkway closures will remain in place until then. MPRB Commissioners are working with staff to consider additional parkway closures in the Minneapolis park system during this time.

“I am thrilled we’re able to open road and parkway segments next to our busy central riverfront park, and I look forward to announcing additional parkway closures soon,” explained Jono Cowgill, President of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “This has been a collaborative effort with the City of Minneapolis in response to the people we serve and their need for social distancing within parks and public spaces.”

Once the closures go into effect:

  • Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
  • Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
  • Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

West River Parkway

West River Parkway will close between Plymouth Avenue N and 11th Avenue S. One lane will remain open to provide access to the Stone Arch Bridge Parking Lot and parking serving 200 2nd St. S. Modifications may occur during the closure. Update: West River Parkway was reopened to motor vehicles between Plymouth Avenue and 4th Avenue N on Friday, April 10. An updated map is below.

Map of West River Parkway closure

Map of West River Parkway Closure [PDF]

Main Street SE

The eastbound lane of Main Street SE will close between Hennepin Avenue and 6th Avenues SE. Merriam Street will close to motorized traffic completely. The southbound lane of 6th Avenue SE will also close between Main Street SE and the Stone Arch Bridge. Modifications may occur during the closure.

Map of Main St. SE road closure

Map of Main Street SE Closure [PDF]

Exceptions and Conditions

  • Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
  • Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
  • Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.
  • Intermittent construction vehicle access related to the Water Works project will be allowed. Water Works is under construction near Stone Arch Bridge on West River Parkway.

Social Distancing

The Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

  • Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
  • Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
  • Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
  • Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for parkway closure updates and other MPRB FAQs, including facility closings and activity cancellations. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.