The John Ireland Boulevard bridge project location map, highlighting its position over I-94 in Saint Paul, connecting Kellogg Boulevard and Rice Street.
The John Ireland Boulevard bridge, a vital artery in St. Paul, is set to undergo significant improvements. Crews will commence focused structural repairs on the John Ireland bridge, which spans over I-94 between Kellogg Boulevard and Rice Street. This essential infrastructure, originally constructed in 1967, is currently deemed safe. However, proactive and focused structural repair work on the John Ireland bridge is crucial to maintain its safety standards for all travelers, especially given contemporary weight limits. Beyond the John Ireland Boulevard bridge itself, this project encompasses minor repairs on ten additional bridges in the vicinity, all crossing over I-94 and I-35E.
The John Ireland bridge project features a meticulous disassembly and reconstruction of the bridge structure. This bridge, carrying four lanes of vehicular traffic across I-94, will be rebuilt within its existing footprint. Furthermore, the John Ireland Boulevard bridge will benefit from several safety and aesthetic enhancements. These include repairs to sidewalks, upgrades to existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, accessibility improvements, and the replacement of railings. These enhancements are designed to improve the overall user experience of the John Ireland bridge for all modes of transport.
In 2023 and 2024, project planners actively engaged with stakeholders and community members to explore options for bike and pedestrian facilities on the John Ireland Boulevard bridge. Detailed information regarding this engagement process can be found on the engagement report webpage. This collaborative approach ensures the John Ireland bridge project reflects community needs and preferences.
The final layout chosen for the John Ireland bridge reconstruction was carefully selected to ensure future compatibility with broader design and transportation initiatives in the area. These initiatives include Rethinking I-94, the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board’s Capitol Mall Design Framework, and the City of St. Paul’s bike plan. Work on the surrounding bridges is slated to begin in spring 2025. Construction on the John Ireland Boulevard bridge itself is scheduled to commence in late 2025, after the Twin Cities Marathon, with completion anticipated before the 2026 Twin Cities Marathon. This timeline aims to minimize disruption and ensure the John Ireland bridge is operational for major city events.
Project Work Summary
- Complete rebuild of the John Ireland bridge structure.
- Implementation of safety and cosmetic improvements.
- Sidewalk repairs to enhance pedestrian safety.
- Modernization of existing bike and pedestrian facilities.
- Comprehensive accessibility updates to meet current standards.
- Replacement of bridge railings for improved safety and aesthetics.
Final Design Selection
The selected final design for the John Ireland Boulevard bridge prioritizes minimal alterations to the existing bridge layout. This strategic approach allows for the immediate and necessary structural repair and rebuild of the John Ireland bridge, while simultaneously preserving flexibility for integration with future projects planned for the area. This forward-thinking design ensures the John Ireland bridge remains a relevant and adaptable piece of infrastructure for years to come.
Anticipated Traffic Impacts
All traffic impact information is preliminary and subject to change based on weather conditions and construction progress.
Upcoming Traffic Updates
Details regarding upcoming traffic impacts will be released as they become available. Motorists should anticipate road closures during the construction phase of the John Ireland Boulevard bridge project.
The project team acknowledges that the replacement of a critical connector like the John Ireland bridge will inevitably cause disruption to access to key destinations within the project area. More detailed information concerning construction impacts will be disseminated in 2025. To stay informed, please sign up for project email updates. Staying informed is the best way to navigate the John Ireland bridge project construction.
Prior to the commencement of construction, the project team is actively soliciting feedback regarding travel concerns on and around the John Ireland Boulevard bridge. Please submit your construction concerns directly to the project team. This valuable input will be used to inform construction communications and ensure the public is well-informed about travel updates in the project vicinity during the John Ireland bridge project.
