Expect parking restrictions, bus detours as Hennepin Avenue South revamp begins

Parking restrictions and bus detours are expected as the first phase of a construction project along Hennepin Avenue South in Uptown begins next month.

Phase one of the two-year Hennepin Avenue reconstruction project, which will impact the street between Douglas Avenue and West Lake Street, will begin on April 1.

The first phase of the project involves improvements between West Lake Street to 26th Street.

The reconstruction will "improve the corridor for all users from Interstate 94 to Uptown,” according to an announcement from the city. It will also allow for stations to be built for the Metro E Line, a bus rapid transit line set to replace Route 6 late next year.

Beginning on April 1, buses on Hennepin Avenue will be detoured to Lyndale Avenue via Lake Street or 31st Street and 24th Street.

Parking lanes will also be closed in construction areas. And traffic may be reduced to one lane at points, according to the city.

Phase two of the project, which will impact 26th Street to Douglas Avenue, will begin next year.