Facing backlash, Minneapolis Parks shortens closure times on Stone Arch Bridge

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is revising its closure times for the Stone Arch Bridge ahead of the Fourth of July weekend "in response to community requests."

Having received backlash to its initial plans to close the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., the closure time has now been pushed back to 10 p.m. The new hours will go into effect beginning Friday, ending at 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 5.

The closure will detour those who regularly use the Stone Arch Bridge and the Riverfront Trail to the Hennepin Avenue Bridge. Temporary gates will be set up to prevent access on the Stone Arch Bridge.

The decision to close Stone Arch Bridge came after widespread disorder in the vicinity of the bridge on July 4, 2022, with fireworks and bottle rockets being aimed directly at bystanders and buildings. Additionally, a shooting at the nearby Boom Island Park injured at least eight people that evening.

But the closure sparked immediate criticism from some local residents, including the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association. 

"While we understand there have been incidents near the bridge, our organization cannot support a 10-hour closure of this critical route with next to [no] warning," wrote MHNA President Vic Thorstenson.

"Last year, large Fourth of July gatherings in riverfront parks and neighborhoods created unsafe, chaotic situations," MPRB said in a statement. "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."

The closure comes after city officials lauded a successful, largely safe weekend where an estimated 600,000 people visited downtown for the Taylor Swift concerts and Pride, KSTP reported. The Taste of Minnesota, making its return after an eight-year hiatus, will be held on Sunday and Monday.

Fireworks also won't be happening on the Fourth of July in the city for the fourth consecutive year. Instead, MPRB says a patriotic laser show will take place at Boom Island Park on Monday, July 3, from 10-10:25 p.m. The show will only be visible from Boom Island Park.