The University of St. Thomas on Monday closed the skyway that connects Schulze Hall to the School of Law on its downtown Minneapolis campus.
The closing was done to allow Opus Design Build, the company that built the skyway in 2004, to begin the work of making some modifications to the structure.
Jim Brummer, St. Thomas’ associate vice president for facilities, said the skyway would likely reopen Wednesday afternoon, April 6, as soon as shoring columns are installed beneath the skyway. The temporary support columns are not expected to block traffic or the sidewalk.
He said the final work will be performed Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, and if necessary, Sunday, April 17. The work involves replacing welds on “stiffener plates” attached to the skyway’s main horizontal support girders.
Brummer said that the skyway has not shown any signs of distress. The welds are being modified, he said, as a precaution and as a permanent improvement.
