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Open for Business

MINNEAPOLIS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Meet Minneapolis and the city's meeting industry can continue business with little interruption

(MINNEAPOLIS) - Aug. 6, 2007 - In the aftermath of the tragic event that occurred in our city last week, and with those impacted still in our thoughts and prayers, Meet Minneapolis continues to welcome visitors and convention attendees to the city.

While the bridge collapse may impact local residents who live in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, visitors and attendees should encounter relatively little inconvenience. And the Star Tribune reported today that even area commuters, "braced for a wretched rush hour this morning because of the Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge collapse, found the going mostly easy." Multiple alternative routes into downtown from the north, credited with increased public transit options, have eased potential traffic jams.

The core of Minneapolis's convention and visitor product remains relatively unaffected.

GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE CITY
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is south of the city, with the main highways leading into the city unaffected by the incident. Flight levels have remained normal since last Wednesday, and only issues with Northwest Airlines pilot absenteeism are causing some sporadic delays and cancellations.

There are numerous other arteries in and out of downtown Minneapolis, including:

  • Interstate 35W entering downtown from the south
  • Interstate 94 coming from both the east and west
  • Interstate 394 entering and exiting the west side of downtown
  • Highway 55 coming from both the southeast and northwest
  • Highway 280 has been turned into a freeway and is the main detour for people entering downtown Minneapolis on 35W from the north

In addition, there are six other bridges that cross the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis: Broadway Avenue, Plymouth Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, 3rd Avenue, Washington Avenue and Interstate 94.

GETTING AROUND DOWNTOWN
Downtown Minneapolis is fully functioning and the city's convention structure is not greatly impacted. The collapsed 35W bridge is located just outside the northeast edge of downtown Minneapolis, with the blocked off perimeter not entering downtown's core.

The Minneapolis Convention Center is more than two miles from the 35W bridge. The business district - housing most of downtown's hotels, retail, attractions and entertainment - is not near the site, either.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS
Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes Minneapolis as a venue for conventions and meetings and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to bring a positive economic impact and awareness to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.