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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

    Tree Removals and Replacements 

    Tree removals and replacements are part of every street construction project as construction activities can be damaging to boulevard trees. The city works to minimize the construction impacts to trees. 

    Tree removals will be completed by April 14, 2026, due to endangered species habitat regulations. Trees to be removed will be marked in advance with paint, with a red X on the trunk. Additional trees may need to be removed during construction.  

    Public Works Street Design and Construction works with Forestry staff in the Parks and Recreation Department to determine tree removals and tree replacement. Trees could be removed for several reasons, including: 

    • Poor tree health or condition, including any pre-existing signs of decline and/or structural defects 

    • Proximity to the installation of curbs and/or sidewalk that impacts tree root systems and structural stability or health of the tree 

    • Underground utility work conflicts, including lead water service replacement, private sanitary sewer replacement, and/or sewer or water main repairs or installations 

    • Roadway regrading that conflicts with existing root systems of trees 

    The City of Saint Paul values trees and strives to maintain and preserve our urban canopy wherever possible. Tree replacement is a critical component of all city street construction projects.   

    The city will plant new trees once the street construction project is completed. New tree plantings include diverse species selections, providing a more resilient urban canopy across Saint Paul.

    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 30 days and will 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. 

    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.