University Avenue Closed from 15th Avenue SE to Oak Street SE June 16–27

The full closure of University Avenue will lead to delays on and around campus—plan extra time for your commute.

Map of full University Avenue Closure as described in post below.

A previous version of this announcement gave a start date of Wednesday, June 11. This has been pushed back due to weather.

The next phase of Hennepin County’s University Avenue Project will begin on Monday, June 16. The full closure of University Avenue will lead to delays on and around campus—plan extra time for your commute. Here’s what you need to know:

What is changing

  • University Avenue will fully close between 15th Avenue SE/Pleasant Street and Oak Street SE, with some exceptions.
  • 14th Avenue SE/East River Parkway will close in both directions just south of University Avenue. The closure will extend approximately 200 feet from the intersection, leaving Peik Hall and Peik Gymnasium accessible from the south.
  • 15th Avenue SE/Pleasant Street SE will open in both directions on both sides of University Avenue. 

What is not changing

  • University Avenue will continue to have one lane open between 10th Avenue SE and 15th Avenue SE/Pleasant Street SE.
  • Church Street SE will remain closed south of University Avenue. 

University Avenue Ramp and Lot 14

University Avenue will be open to traffic in both directions at University Avenue Ramp to allow for entering and exiting vehicles. Lot 14 will still be accessible from Walnut Street SE.

Routes to and from the University Avenue Ramp as described below.

To enter

  1. Access northbound Walnut Street SE from Washington Avenue SE, Delaware Street SE, or Pillsbury Drive SE/Beacon Street SE.
  2. Cross to the far (north) side of University Avenue and turn left.
  3. Follow University Avenue to the west and turn left again into the University Avenue Ramp entrance. 

To exit

  1. Exit University Avenue Ramp through the normal exit route.
  2. Turn right, staying on the south side of University Avenue.
  3. Proceed to Oak Street SE and turn or go straight as usual.

Lot 55

Access to Lot 55 will be from 4th Street only.

Armory Garage and Lot 39 

  • Contract parkers in the Armory Garage may use the Pillsbury gate to enter and exit the garage. The University Avenue exit will be unavailable.
  • Contract holders may contact [email protected] if you would prefer to switch parking locations during the closure.

Campus transit

  • The Campus Connector (121) will resume its regular route by turning left onto 15th Avenue SE from 4th Street and continuing on to Pleasant Street SE.
  • The University Avenue Circulator (122) will continue to use 5th Street SE as a detour between 10th Avenue SE and Oak Street SE (map below).
Map showing 122 detours as detailed below.

Pedestrian and bike access

Pedestrians and bikers should plan to detour around the closure and use designated crossings (below).

Pedestrian closures as described below.

Open crossings

  • 14th Avenue SE/East River Road
  • 15th Avenue SE/Pleasant Street SE
  • 17th Avenue SE/Church Street SE

Closed crossings

  • 16th Avenue SE by Folwell Hall
  • 18th Avenue SE by the Field House
  • Crossing between Williams Arena and University Avenue Ramp/Recreation and Wellness Center
    • The crossing between Williams Arena and University Avenue Ramp will be open during Special Olympics Minnesota (June 19–22).
Related Projects
Fourth and University Improvements