On This Page

Project Details

Project Map Back to All Projects

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 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.
University Avenue Detour Map for Phase 1

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

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

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

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.