August 2021 update: Final weeks of construction at Columbia Golf Course & Columbia Park
Posted on 30 August, 2021Construction and restoration work is wrapping up on the project to improve stormwater management on the northern portion of Columbia Golf Course and at Columbia Park, led by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) in partnership with the MPRB and other partners.
Temporary lane closure on Central Avenue; pedestrian, bicycle detours
September will bring a final temporary traffic detour on Central Avenue NE, near the northeast corner of the golf course. Beginning in mid-September, southbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane north and south of Columbia Parkway (see map).
The temporary closure will allow for construction of a stormwater pretreatment unit just south of the railroad crossing; this unit will be similar to the one installed in fall 2020 at 35th Avenue NE and NE Tyler Street. This work is expected to conclude in mid-October.
During this time, pedestrian traffic will be rerouted to the east side of Central Avenue between 35th and 37th Avenues. Bicycle traffic will be rerouted two blocks to the east, to Polk Street NE, between 35th and 37th Avenues.
Signs will be posted indicating detour routes (see map) and the City of Minneapolis Road Closure Map will be updated prior to the lane closure.
Paths, other park amenities reopened
Many park amenities reopened in late July, including the newly repaved pedestrian and shared-use paths along Fifth Street NE and the parking lot off of Columbia Parkway.
Park and path users are asked to stay on the paved paths to avoid damaging restored landscaped areas. These newly seeded native plant and grass areas need time to become established and are sensitive to foot traffic.
Ongoing public impacts
- Traffic: Visitors and commuters can expect to see an increase in truck traffic on Central Avenue NE through October 2021.
- Golf Course: The reduction from 18 holes to 9 holes continues through the 2021 season; however, in late July, 3 holes in the project area were added as a small 3-hole play loop.
- Columbia Park: The picnic shelter can now be reserved, and programming at the multi-purpose athletic field will resume after establishment of newly seeded turf.
- Playground: The play area for younger children (on the north side of the path) was impacted by the project; community engagement begins in fall 2021 to select new play equipment, with construction in 2022. Play equipment for older kids (south of the path) will remain.
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