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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

Corrected: University Avenue Reconstruction Project Update: August 7, 2026

Please refer to this email for the correct August 7, 2026 updates.

Phase 1b will begin the week of August 10. The University Avenue closure will extend from Pine Street to Olive Street.

Current Traffic Impacts:

  • University Avenue remains closed between L'Orient and Olive.
  • The intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue remains closed.

Upcoming Traffic Impacts:

  • Phase 1b will begin the week of August 10. The University Avenue closure will extend from Pine Street to Olive Street.
  • Access at Olive Street will be maintained.

Next week (August 10 - 14)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

  • Private utility work ongoing.
  • Continued installation of underground stormwater system.
  • Temporary signal installation.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and Olive Street:

  • Roadway removals will begin between North Pine Street and Olive Street.
  • Phase 1b work will begin between North Pine Street and Olive Street.
  • Watermain work continues from Mississippi to Olive Street.
  • Xcel Gas to begin removals of old system piping.

Next week (August 17 - 21)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

  • Private utility work ongoing.
  • Continued installation of underground stormwater systems.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and Olive Street:

  • Watermain work will continue between Pine and Olive Streets.
  • Roadway construction will begin between L’Orient Street and Mississippi Street.

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 Street.
  • Please follow posted signage. 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

Construction Hours:

  • Work hours planned 7AM – 7PM, Monday – Saturday.
  • Thank you for your continued patience while this crucial and necessary work is being completed.

Project Contacts:

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.