Hennepin County Preparing for North Shore Bridges project in 2022 

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Orono and Metropolitan Council, is finalizing designs to replace two bridges carrying North Shore Drive (County Road 51) over the Hendrickson and Noerenberg channels.?

These bridges, often referred to as Hendrickson Bridge and Noerenberg Bridge, are nearing the end of their service lives. They plan to begin replacing the two bridges as early as spring 2022.

Replacing the bridges will reduce the need for frequent maintenance in the future and better meet present and future travel needs. The new bridges will have the same dimensions as the current bridges with an updated look, thereby preserving existing space and natural features along the channels.?

The project will impact how people travel the area, as our current plan is to close and replace both bridges at the same time. This will allow our crews to complete all construction work and limit closures to just one construction season.

They encourage you to begin planning for this as you prepare for your daily travel, as well as any celebrations, special events and leisure activities.

Watch our video presentation to learn more 

They posted a five-minute video of a presentation on the project website for you to view at your convenience. 
The video covers:  

• Anticipated construction schedule 
• Detour routes during construction 
• Local access to homes, businesses and destinations between the bridges 
• Best way for you to stay connected 

They will also have some more information about a Metropolitan Council project planned prior to the bridges project. 

After you watch the video, use the comment form on the project website to ask any our staff any remaining questions you might have or request additional information you might need. 

Check it out: hennepin.us/north-shore-bridges