Minneapolis Third Avenue Bridge crash leaves one driver dead after vehicle crosses centerline overnight
What happened
A driver was killed in a two-vehicle crash on the Third Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis early Sunday after a southbound vehicle crossed into northbound traffic and collided head-on with an oncoming SUV.
The crash was reported at about 12:53 a.m. on the bridge, which carries Highway 65 across the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls. Police said a southbound Ford Taurus, driven by a single occupant, crossed the centerline into the northbound lanes and struck a northbound GMC Denali carrying three people.
The driver of the Taurus was declared dead at the scene. The three occupants of the Denali were not injured.
Vehicles and occupants
Northbound vehicle: GMC Denali with three occupants. No injuries were reported. Police said all three indicated they were wearing seatbelts.
Southbound vehicle: Ford Taurus with one driver. The driver died at the scene.
Location context
The Third Avenue Bridge, also known historically as the St. Anthony Falls Bridge, is a major river crossing connecting downtown Minneapolis with the Northeast neighborhood. The structure is an open-spandrel concrete arch bridge originally opened in 1918 and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The bridge underwent a multi-year restoration project and returned to full traffic in late 2023.
What is known—and what is not
Police have not publicly released the identity of the driver who died or indicated whether alcohol, speed, a medical event, distraction, mechanical issues, road conditions, or other factors contributed to the vehicle crossing the centerline. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the Denali, and no additional vehicles were reported to be involved.
An investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
What happens next
Investigators typically evaluate evidence such as vehicle damage patterns, roadway markings, debris fields, and any available camera footage to reconstruct the sequence of events. If impairment is suspected, toxicology testing may be part of the investigation. Any formal findings, including contributing factors and final determinations, are expected to come after the investigation is completed.
In the meantime, officials are urging drivers to use extra caution on bridge approaches and river crossings, where lane separations, lighting, and changing road conditions can complicate late-night travel.