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- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Long-Awaited Bridge Reopening in St. Paul
After nearly two and a half years of demolition and reconstruction, the Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge—a major artery for St. Paul traffic—is set to reopen on November 15, 2026. The $92 million project restores an essential connection between downtown St. Paul and the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, following years of disrupted routes and impact on the local community.
Significance of the Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge
The bridge plays a critical role in the city’s infrastructure, supporting thousands of daily commuters, connecting residents to the international airport, and improving access to downtown attractions. As one of the city’s largest infrastructure projects in decades, it was funded by $92.7 million in state and federal money.
Historical Background and Construction Timeline
Issues with the Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge were first identified in 2014, when structural concerns led to barriers being placed on the bridge’s outer lanes. A closure in 2024 allowed for full demolition and rebuilding. The new bridge features four lanes for vehicle traffic and a 12-foot-wide, barrier-protected trail on each side for pedestrian and bike access, using enough reinforced steel to outweigh 19 elephants.
Local Impact During Construction
The extended closure disrupted the daily lives of residents and businesses. Many community members found their commutes significantly lengthened, while local businesses struggled with reduced traffic. Patrick Jones and Natalie Harter, residents who live near the bridge, reported that the closure added 10 minutes to their downtown commute and brought noise and debris to their homes. Becky Masterman, who owns a rental near the bridge, said that easy access to downtown is crucial for residents without cars and for supporting neighborhood businesses.
Business Owners Await Recovery
Ali Artoli, long-time owner of Phoenix Market & Deli, described the construction’s very negative effect on his business, which led him to reduce staff hours and stop selling some products. He expressed hope that the reopening will bring a revival as the city moves beyond pandemic-era struggles and recent economic challenges.
Civic Leaders and Community Response
Ward 7 Council Member Cheniqua Johnson highlighted the city’s responsibility to maintain such vital infrastructure, noting, “We’re not just building for the city of St. Paul or East Side that we want to see in 2026. We have to think about it 15 years from now, 20 years from now, 30 years from now. That’s why the infrastructure is key.” Johnson and Mayor Kaohly Her attended an October 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony, where residents tested the new span on foot and by bike.
Continuing Work Ahead
Although the bridge will open to all on November 15, construction activity will continue through 2027, as workers install final railings, restore landscaping, and clean up portions of the site.
Looking Forward: Reviving Connections
With its four lanes and accessible trails, the restored bridge aims to revive vital links for St. Paul commuters and businesses alike. Residents, civic officials, and business owners hope the reopening marks the start of renewed vibrancy on both sides of the span.
Source: startribune.com.
