Franklin Avenue reconstruction

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is making it safer and easier to travel on Franklin Avenue (County Road 5). From spring 2026 through fall 2027, we will reconstruct the road between Lyndale (County Road 22) and Chicago avenues. 

While we are reconstructing the roadway, you can still visit the area. Our construction updates will keep you posted about how to travel in and around the area.

Full-size Franklin Avenue project map (PNG, 1MB)

Construction updates

Dates are tentative and subject to change 

Starting Monday, March 23

If you are visiting the area, plan ahead, follow signage, and be aware of the following:

• Westbound Franklin Avenue is closed between Lyndale and LaSalle/Blaisdell avenues and between First and Chicago avenues.
• Eastbound Franklin Avenue is reduced to a single lane for local access only.

Using Franklin Avenue during construction

• If you are visiting a business, call ahead or check their website to see if there is a change in business access or where to park.
• If you drive or bike, you can use one of our detour routes below:
  • Regional detour: Lyndale Avenue South, 26th Street (westbound) or 28th Street (eastbound) and Chicago Avenue (JPG, 3MB)
  • Local detour: Nicollet Avenue, 15th and 16th streets, and Chicago Avenue (JPG, 2MB)
• If you walk or roll, you will have access to Franklin Avenue. There will be one side of Franklin Avenue open (the opposite side of where construction is taking place)
• If you use transit, some transit stops will be temporarily closed or relocated as work moves through the construction area. For information on affected stops, contact Metro Transit or visit their rider alerts website.
• If your home or business is directly on the project area, you will still be able to access your entrance. Contact the project team with any specific concerns.

Starting in 2027

Crews will begin work in spring 2027 between LaSalle and First avenues. All work should be completed by fall.

About the project

When this project is complete, Franklin Avenue will have:

• Safer travel for everyone, including improved crossings for people who walk, bike, and roll
• A three-lane design with center turn lanes and medians at key locations to calm traffic and reduce vehicle speeds
• New paths for people who walk, bike, and roll
• Improved traffic flow for transit riders and drivers
• Improved lighting and green spaces

Previous engagement

From 2019 to 2020, and from spring 2022 to fall 2024, we asked the community near Franklin Avenue about how we could improve the road and make it safer for everyone, including those that walk, bike, roll, take transit, and drive. We used that feedback, along with technical data and city and county policies, to create a final plan for Franklin Avenue.

• See the project layout (PDF, 11MB)
• View the 2024 road design tour of Franklin Avenue