U of M pedestrian bridge to be removed after 'structural deterioration' found

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - A pedestrian bridge on the north side of the University of Minnesota campus is closed and will be removed next year after evaluators found "structural deterioration" in the bridge, according to a university spokeswoman.

The Historic M Suspension Bridge can be accessed near University Ave SE and 13th Avenue. It runs over railroad tracks and the Dinkytown Greenway and then connects to campus along East River Road.

Assistant Director of Public Relations Lacey Nygard says a crew evaluated the bridge around the end of May. It officially closed on June 8 and will remain closed until its removal in 2019.

Nygard says it hasn't been determined yet if the bridge will be replaced.

In 1996, the suspension bridge was modified and erected at its current location.