Project Details

Project Map Back to All Projects

Description
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct eight blocks of Robert Street in downtown Saint Paul, from I-94 to Kellogg Boulevard. Reconstruction is needed to repair and replace sidewalks, pavement, and utilities. Improvements include all new:

  • Sidewalks, boulevards, and trees
  • Curb, gutters, and storm water systems
  • Pavement and lane markings
  • Traffic signals and signage
  • Underground utilities

Location
Robert Street from Kellogg Boulevard to I-94 in downtown. 

Timeline 
Community engagement started in fall 2022. Utility work started in 2023 and will continue until road construction begins in 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin spring 2025 and continue through 2026.

Timeline for Grand Avenue construction project
Tags

    Utility & Gold Line Construction Work

    Utilities are working on Robert Street and nearby streets in preparation for the full reconstruction of Robert Street. Please follow all posted signs. Access to businesses is being maintained.

    Robert Street restrictions, pedestrian and business access, and bus detours

    Vehicle Access:

    • Robert Street is reduced to one lane in each direction between 7th Place and 5th Street through the end of May.
    • Additional closures or lane restrictions will occur on Robert Street in June. More information will be posted later.
    • Access to businesses is being maintained.

    Pedestrian Access: 

    • Pedestrian access to properties on Robert Street is being maintained.
    • Please follow signed detour routes as needed.

    Bus Stops: 

    • Metro Transit is detouring buses traveling in downtown Saint Paul on 6th Street to 7th Street. 
    • For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.
    Map of downtown Saint Paul showing lane restrictions due to construction.

    Other area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul

    Construction is happening throughout downtown. Plan accordingly and expect delays. Please follow all posted signs. Road and lane closures will change as construction continues.

    • 7th Street:  Reduced to one lane in each direction between Cedar and Jackson Streets.
    • 6th Street: Reduced to one lane between Minnesota and Jackson Streets and between Wabasha and Washington Streets.
    • Kellogg Boulevard and Wabasha Street intersection: No right turns allowed from northbound Wabasha Street onto eastbound Kellogg Boulevard.
    • Kellogg Boulevard: Reduced to one lane in each direction between St. Peter and Cedar Streets.
    • St. Peter Street: Lane restrictions between 7th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
    • Minnesota Street: Lane restrictions between 11th and 6th Streets.

    Metro Transit Gold Line

    • Lane closures on 6th Street at Jackson and St Peter Streets are needed for station construction. Metro Transit is detouring buses traveling in downtown St. Paul on 6th Street to 7th Street. 
    • Intermittent lane closures on 5th and 6th Streets for station work.
    • To sign up for their project updates and see more information, visit the Metro Gold Line webpage.

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

    Design Option B (2 vehicle lanes with a center turn lane) Selected for Robert Street

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 3 design options for Robert Street based on the first phase of public engagement. 

    Based on public input, Design Option B was selected by the City.

    Design Option B is 2 vehicle lanes with a center turn lane. The design features wider sidewalks, bumpouts at intersections, in-lane Bus Rapid Transit stations, left turn lanes for multimodal safety, retains on-street parking at key nodes, accommodates green infrastructure to improve water quality, and provides critical loading zones.

    View the Concept Design Memo for details on how Design Option B was selected and examples of how a typical block on Robert Street will look.

    Graphic showing the path from public input to the 3 design options for Robert Street to the decision to go with Design Option B for Robert Street

    Project Goals

    The reconstruction of Robert Street presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve the City’s vision of what a modern downtown corridor can be: safe, livable, inviting, active, a center of regional economic activity – and equitable for all. The following project goals will guide this reconstruction project.

    • Create a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone
    • Improve mobility for all modes of travel
    • Support efficient and reliable transit service through downtown
    • Create an accessible and safe environment for people who walk and roll
    • Enhance street-level commerce
    • Facilitate a community engagement process that addresses the needs of all stakeholders
    • Improve and replace aging roads, sidewalks, and utilities in 2025 and 2026

    Project Documents

    Related Projects

    Minnesota Street Reconstruction Phase 1

    Project Map
    The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct Minnesota Street from Kellogg Boulevard to 6th Street in 2023 and 6th Street to 11th Street in 2024.
    Project Details
    Tags

      Capital City Bikeway Kellogg Boulevard Phase 1

      Project Map
      A portion of the south corridor of the Capital City Bikeway along Kellogg Boulevard from St. Peter Street to Jackson Street will be constructed in 2023 and 2024.
      Project Details
      Tags

        Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge

        Project Map
        The City of St Paul will be replacing the Kellogg/3rd Street bridge to address the need for a more reliable connection to the City that will accommodate people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving.
        Project Details
        Tags

          Wabasha Street Reconstruction

          Project Map
          Wabasha Street will be reconstructed from Kellogg Boulevard to 7th Street in 2022.
          Project Details
          Tags