A new riverfront trail segment connecting Ole Olson Park and the 26th Avenue North Overlook is on track to open this summer!

This 1,000-foot trail connection extends a popular riverfront regional trail past the end of West River Road, traveling under the BNSF railroad bridge while adding new riverside experiences in North Minneapolis.

It will connect the 26th Avenue North Overlook, which opened in 2021, to the downtown riverfront and the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, the 51-mile continuous bike/walk trail that encircles most of Minneapolis. It will also connect to the off-street trail on 26th Avenue North, which travels across all of North Minneapolis between the Mississippi River and Theodore Wirth Regional Park.

An illustration shows the upcoming trail traveling under the railroad bridge north of Ole Olson Park

Construction Update

The contractor working at Ole Olson Park experienced delays in steel delivery for a safety structure that will protect trail users below the BNSF bridge. This structure must be in place to ensure trail safety, so the trail connection will not open until it’s fully installed.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board understands people are excited for this project to be completed and apologizes for construction delays. The good news is that steel will be delivered to the site this week and assembled over the course of the next few weeks.

Road Work for new Water Line

While the steel work is taking place, a new water connection will be made in West River Road for a new drinking fountain in Ole Olson Park. Access will be maintained for local vehicles while work is happening in the road, but please slow down, respect construction areas, and follow onsite signs.

Remaining Construction

After the new water line is installed, there are several remaining tasks to finish before the project is fully complete:

• Adjusting the grading under the BNSF bridge
• Completing electrical work
• Finishing concrete sidewalks and gathering areas
• Installing an overlook deck and site furnishings
• Paving the asphalt bicycle trail
• Planting trees, shrubs, native plugs, and seed

The trail will open as soon as it’s safe for people to use. It may open while some of the work listed above is being finished.