Stone Arch Bridge to close overnights June 30-July 5, though later than initially announced
MINNEAPOLIS – A major Minneapolis connection will shut down for the holiday weekend, though the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board updated that the nightly closures will now happen later than originally announced.
The Stone Arch Bridge is closing in hopes of avoiding the chaos that erupted last summer during Fourth of July gatherings along the Mississippi River.
For many, the Stone Arch is a critical part of their commute.
"We don't have good options except for this pedestrian-bike bridge, which a lot of our residents use," said Vic Thorstenson, president of the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association.
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But it won't be an option this weekend. The MPRB announced from this Friday through July 5, the bridge will be barricaded from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. On Thursday, the board said it would push the closure time each evening to 10 p.m. instead.
Last year, at least 10 people were hurt by shootings, and "fireworks" wars.
In a statement, MPRB said, "Last year, large Fourth of July gatherings in riverfront parks and neighborhoods created unsafe, chaotic situations. This proactive measure will help park staff and public safety agencies better manage crowds and safety during a very busy time for riverfront parks and neighborhoods."
"It just struck us as so brain dead," Thorstenson said.
He says he understands the reason for the closure, but still disagrees with it.
"That's bad. But the solution to it is not to abandon it. It's to have some better policing over here," Thorstenson said.
In a letter to MPRB, the association pointed out the move would effectively shut off access to weekend events at the Guthrie Theater, the Twins game, and Taste of Minnesota.
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"Somebody who wants to go on the bridge and party is gonna figure out a way over or around their barricades. And if they don't have cops to protect it, the mayhem will happen anyhow," Thorstenson said.
WCCO News asked MPRB if they had plans for an increased presence at the bridge or other parks. They did not respond to our questions.
Last year, Minneapolis dealt with 1,300 911 calls in just seven hours.
Fireworks will be missing from the "Minneapolis Red, White, and Boom" celebration this year. Instead, the city is opting for a patriotic laser show. The event is Monday, July 3 at Boom Island Park.