Problematic plank road to be repaired

MINNEAPOLIS -- On the Minneapolis riverfront right by the Stone Arch bridge is an area that takes you back.

"This is where the city of Minneapolis began," said Judd Rietkerk, Director of Minneapolis Park Planning.

The old buildings and architecture are things that make the Mill City Museum area so historic.

Rietkerk is busy drawing up the perfect plan.

"This area gives people the chance to go through the insides of it and experience the outsides of what was going on here," said Rietkert.

So six years ago the city built a plank road to compliment the Mill City Museum.

"It's in line with the museum and the Stone Arch bridge. It's like stepping back in time," said Ken Bush, a Minneapolis resident.

But there's one problem...

"They (residents) are upset about the noise," said Rietker.

The noise lasts all day long.

"It's very nice looking but it's falling apart and needs some repairs," said Geoff Turgeon, a nearby college student.

Even though there's signage...

"People drive on this like it's a piece of the interstate," said Rietkerk. "There's 15 mph stop signs to calm the traffic. But it's not working."

There are parts of the road where the road is so loose, pieces can easily snap off the road.

"They develop a loose bolt and then the boards will bounce," said Rietkerk. "We can't maintain the boards on this structure."

The reconstruction project could top out at around $400,000. Grant money from the State of Minnesota should cover the cost.

"It will probably cost a lot, but it's worth it," said Turgeon.

"I think the bridge is definitely worth fixing," said Amanda Page, a visitor from Wisconsin.

Because this area connects with other parks, a road will have to exist here.

"This is a piece we can't break," said Rietkerk. "It has to fit into that transportation mode, we'll have to make adjustments to do that," he added.

Meanwhile, the road will close October 5th to let the redesigning process begin.

"It stands out as a unique landmark to the city," said Page. "It's a unique feature that too many cities don't have."

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