University Avenue Reconstruction

Project Details

Description
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road in 2025 and 2026. The roadway is approximately ¼ mile, serves multiple modes of transportation, and provides access to several properties through a primarily industrial area. The intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue is part of this work, but the design has not yet been finalized.

Project improvements include improved curbs and pedestrian ramps, sidewalk updates, new road surface, more trees, shared use walk/bike path, new street lighting, and replacement of underground utilities as needed.

Location
University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road

Timeline
2025 - 2026

University Avenue Reconstruction design map.

Tags

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 17, 2026

Construction Hours:

Work hours planned 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.

This Week (July 20 – 24)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
- This intersection will be closed to through access.
Sanitary Sewer installation.
Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

Remains open through mid-summer.
- Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
- Pedestrian access to remain.
4-way stop installation for traffic control.
Private utility work ongoing nearby.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
Watermain work continuing from Mississippi to Pine Street.
Private utility work ongoing.

Next week (July 27 – July 31)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

Continued installation of Watermain.
Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

Installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
Private utility work ongoing.

All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.

Local and business access

Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

University Avenue Reconstruction Detour Map

Printable Detour Map

University Avenue Reconstruction Community Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Thanks to everyone who joined Public Works on May 26 to learn more about the University Avenue Reconstruction Project. If you were unable to attend, you can view the presentation slides below.

University Avenue Presentation Slides

Public Works has hired a contractor for the full reconstruction of University Avenue from just west of I-35E to Lafayette Road. Construction for this project is anticipated to start in June 2026. The roadway is approximately ¼ mile, serves multiple modes of transportation, and provides access to several properties through a primarily industrial area. A letter will be sent to property owners with properties abutting University.

Project Updates

Expand All

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 17, 2026
Construction Hours:
- Work hours planned 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
- Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
- Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.
This Week (July 20 – 24)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  This intersection will be closed to through access.
- Sanitary Sewer installation.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:
- Remains open through mid-summer.
  Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  Pedestrian access to remain.
- 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
- Private utility work ongoing nearby.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
- Watermain work continuing from Mississippi to Pine Street.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Next week (July 27 – July 31)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Continued installation of Watermain.
- Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
- Private utility work ongoing.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
Local and business access
- Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
- Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.
Pedestrian access during construction
- Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
- When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
- For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 10, 2026
Construction Hours:
- Work hours planned 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
- Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
- Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.
This Week (July 13 – 17)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  This intersection will be closed to through access.
- Watermain installation ongoing.
- Sanitary Sewer installation ongoing.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:
- Remains open through mid-summer.
  Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  Pedestrian access to remain.
- 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
- Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
- Watermain work starting.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Next Week (July 20 – July 24)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Continued installation of Watermain.
- Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Start installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
- Pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 2, 2026
**no work on Friday, July 3 in observance of July 4**
Temporary partial closure at North Pine Street: Utility work will occur on North Pine Street on Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7. See traffic map above.
- Access between Grove Street and University Avenue can occur along North Pine Street, East 13^th Street, and Olive Street.
- Access to Dog Days Daycare and Caztek Engineering will remain.
This Week (July 6 - 10)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  This intersection will be closed to through access.
- Watermain installation ongoing.
- Sanitary Sewer installation to begin.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:
- Remains open through mid-summer.
  Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  Pedestrian access to remain.
- 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
- Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Next week (July 13 - 19)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Continued installation of Watermain.
- Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Start installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
- Pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Local and business access
- Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
- Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.
Pedestrian access during construction
- Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
- When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
- For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: June 26th, 2026
**no work on Friday, July 3in observance of July 4**
This week (June 29 – July 3)
Construction Hours:
- Work hours planned Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
- Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.
University Avenue Reconstruction: Pine Street Closure on 7/1 and 7/2
Temporary partial closure at North Pine Street: Utility work will occur on North Pine Street on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2. See traffic map above for impacts and detours.
- Access between Grove Street and University Avenue can occur along North Pine Street, East 13th Street, and Olive Street.
- Access to Dog Days Daycare and Caztek Engineering will remain.
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  This intersection will be closed to through access.
- Watermain installation ongoing.
- Sanitary sewer installation to begin.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:
- Remains open through mid-summer.
  Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  Pedestrian access to remain.
- 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
- Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Printable Map
Next week (July 6 – July 10)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Continued installation of watermain.
- Continued installation of sanitary sewer.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Start installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
- Pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Local and business access
- Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
- Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.
Pedestrian access during construction
- Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
- When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
- For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
June 18, 2026 Construction Update
This week (June 22 - 26):
Construction Hours:
- Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  This intersection will be closed to through access.
- Watermain installation to begin.
- Sanitary Sewer installation to begin.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:
- Remains open through mid-summer.
  Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  Pedestrian access to remain.
- 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
- Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Next week (June 30 – July 3)
**No work on Friday, July 3in observance of July 4**
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Continued installation of Watermain.
- Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Local and business access
- Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
- Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.
Pedestrian access during construction
- Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
- When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
- For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
June 12, 2026 Construction Update
This week (June 15 - 19):
Construction Hours:
- Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  This intersection will be closed to thru access.
- Pipe removals continue.
- Pipe installation to begin after completion of removals.
- Private utility work ongoing.
University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:
- Remains open through mid-summer.
  Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  Pedestrian access to remain.
- 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:
- Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North John Streets through mid-summer.
- Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
- Private utility work is ongoing.
Next week (June 22 - 26)
University Avenue and Lafayette Road
- Continued removals of pavement and pipes.
- Private utility work ongoing.
Local and business access
- Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
- Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.
Pedestrian access during construction
- Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
- When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
- For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
University Avenue Reconstruction Begins June 8, 2026
Northbound Lafayette Road is scheduled to be closed at University Avenue starting June 3 for Xcel Energy work
City's construction project scheduled to start June 8, 2026!
Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.

Printable Detour Map
University Avenue and Lafayette Road - Closed to Thru Traffic Starting June 8
Phase 1 will start at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
This intersection will be closed to thru access.
University Avenue will be closed between east of North John Street thru the Lafayette Road intersection.
Pavement and pipe removals will begin June 8.
Private utility work is ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street - Closed to Thru Traffic Starting June 8
Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and just to the west of North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
Pavement and pipe removals will begin the week of June 8.
Private utility work ongoing.
Local and business access
Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
University Avenue will remain open between North Pine and North John Streets.
Pedestrian access during construction
Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
The City's University Avenue Reconstruction Project Begins June 8
Thanks to everyone who joined Public Works on May 26 to learn more about the University Avenue Reconstruction Project. If you were unable to attend, you can view the presentation slides at stpaul.gov/universityavenue.
Public Works has hired a contractor for the full reconstruction of University Avenue from just west of I-35E to Lafayette Road. Construction for this project is anticipated to start in June 2026, with a tentative schedule detailed below. Utilities have already been working in the area in advance of the city's project and will continue to be working in the area.
Northbound Lafayette Road is scheduled to be closed at University Avenue starting June 3 for Xcel Energy work
City's construction project scheduled to start June 8, 2026!
Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
University Avenue and Lafayette Road - Closed to Thru Traffic Starting June 8
Phase 1 will start at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
This intersection will be closed to thru access.
University Avenue will be closed between east of North John Street thru the Lafayette Road intersection.
Pavement and pipe removals will begin June 8.
Private utility work is ongoing.
University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street - Closed to Thru Traffic Starting June 8
Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and just to the west North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
Pavement and pipe removals will begin the week of June 8.
Private utility work ongoing.
Local and business access
Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
University Avenue will remain open between North Pine and North John Streets.
Pedestrian access during construction
Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.
Bus Stops
For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
University Avenue Construction Update: November 10, 2025
Updated design documents and project webpage
New project design documents and additional information can now be found on the University Avenue Reconstruction project webpage.
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road in 2026. The project includes improved curbs and pedestrian ramps, sidewalk updates, new road surface, more trees, shared use walk/bike path, and new street lighting. Refer to the graphic above that shows the planned improvements.
Additional information about road closures and detours will be shared in similar project update emails before construction begins in Spring 2026.
Nearby Work
The Lafayette Road bridge between University Avenue and Otsego Street will be closed starting October 29, 2025, for bridge rehabilitation work. The bridge will be fully closed to all traffic for approximately 30 days and is scheduled to reopen to traffic at the end of November 2025.
Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Traffic Detours:
- Lafayette Road will be closed from University Avenue to Otsego Street.
- During the closure, traffic will be rerouted via Payne Street to 7th Street to Lafayette Road.
- Please follow detour signs for posted alternative route and allow for additional travel time.
Lafayette Bridge Work is Complete
The Lafayette Road bridge between University Avenue and Otsego Street is reopen to traffic. Buffer-separated bike lanes have been added to the north and south side of the bridge.
Updated design documents and project webpage
New project design documents and additional information can now be found on the University Avenue Reconstruction project webpage.
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road in 2026. The project includes improved curbs and pedestrian ramps, sidewalk updates, new road surface, more trees, shared use walk/bike path, and new street lighting. Refer to the graphic above that shows the planned improvements.
Additional information about road closures and detours will be shared in similar project update emails before construction begins in Spring 2026.

Investing in Saint Paul Streets: Common Cent

A portion of this street reconstruction project will be paid for by a 1% local option sales tax, called Common Cent. This sales tax was approved by Saint Paul voters in November 2023. A portion of the project will also be funded through assessments to property owners adjacent to the project. The estimated assessment rate is based on a third-party special benefit analysis of the property values in the project area. Property owners will receive a notice of the estimated rate and date for a public hearing when estimated rates are available. More information on assessments can be found at www.stpaul.gov/specialassessments.

Project Documents

Expand All

- Project map
- June 2026 Phase 1 Detour Map
- Project Boards
- February Open House Flyer

University Avenue Reconstruction

On This Page

Project Details

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 17, 2026

University Avenue Reconstruction Community Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Project Updates

July 17, 2026

July 10, 2026

July 2, 2026

June 26, 2026

June 18, 2026

June 12, 2026

June 5, 2026

May 29, 2026

November 10, 2025

November 17, 2025

Investing in Saint Paul Streets: Common Cent

Project Documents

Design Documents

Letters and Flyers

Maps

Open House Materials

Presentations

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