Project Details

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Description
Fairview Avenue from Randolph Avenue to Edgcumbe Road will be resurfaced in 2023 through a process called mill and overlay to create a smoother roadway surface for driving and biking. Crews grind off the top layer of roadway, then replace it with a new layer of bituminous pavement. 

The project will include intersection improvements to make walking across Fairview more comfortable:

  • Bumpouts (curb extensions) are planned to be constructed on Fairview Avenue at Bayard Avenue, Eleanor Avenue, and Highland Parkway.
  • Median islands are planned to be constructed in Fairview Avenue at Gate 4 at St. Catherine's, Eleanor Avenue, Bohland Avenue, and Saunders Avenue.

Location
Fairview Avenue from Randolph Avenue to Edgcumbe Road

Timeline
Fall 2023

Tags

    Mill & Overlay Schedule

    Mill & Overlay Schedule (weather permitting)
    • Milling - completed on November 8
    • Paving - completed on November 14
    • Striping - completed on November 20
    Traffic Control
    • Fairview Avenue is closed to traffic during paving and striping operations.
    • Please follow posted signs.

    Project Information

    • The posted detour route is Snelling Avenue. Please follow all posted signs.

    • Access to properties on Fairview Avenue will be maintained.

    • Access to alleys that only have entrances on Fairview Avenue will be maintained.

    • Bumpouts (curb extensions) will be constructed on Fairview Avenue at Bayard Avenue, Eleanor Avenue, and Highland Parkway.

    • Median islands will be constructed in Fairview Avenue at Gate 4 at St. Catherine's, Eleanor Avenue, Bohland Avenue, and Saunders Avenue.

    • Construction is expected to be completed by mid-November.

    New Sidewalks: No Salt

    Please refrain from using salt to remove ice on new concrete installed this year. Salt will harm newly installed concrete and increase freeze/thaw cycles, which can do further damage.

    We appreciate your assistance in helping maintain the new sidewalks.

    Project Updates

    Final Design & Responses to Feedback

    Thank you to the 200+ community members who provided feedback at public meetings, though phone calls, emails, and the online form.

    Public Works staff evaluated all feedback received and found consistent themes, concerns, and questions. The Final Design and Community Feedback Responses document provides answers to common questions and provides details on the final design as modified by community feedback (Feedback Form Responses).

    Map showing final design of Fairview Avenue mill and overlay from Randolph Avenue to Edgcumbe Road with pedestrian improvements

    Recording of the May 9 Fairview Avenue Resurfacing Project Online Meeting

    Public meetings were held online May 9, 2023 and in-person May 17, 2023.

    View the Fairview Avenue Resurfacing PowerPoint slides of the presentation from the public meetings. View the video recording of the May 9 meeting on YouTube.

    Pedestrian Crossing Improvements

    To improve the safety and comfort for people walking, pedestrian crossing improvements are planned for the intersections of Gate 4 at St. Catherine's, Bayard Avenue, Eleanor Avenue, Highland Parkway, Bohland Avenue, and Saunders Avenue. The city's 2040 Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan prioritizes the safety of people walking.

    • Bumpouts (curb extensions) are planned to be constructed on Fairview Avenue at Bayard Avenue and Highland Parkway.
    • Median islands are planned to be constructed in Fairview Avenue at Gate 4 at St. Catherine's, Eleanor Avenue, Bohland Avenue, and Saunders Avenue.

    Final design of Fairview Avenue pedestrian improvements is available in the Final Design and Community Feedback Responses document and also in the Final Design map as shown below.

    Map showing final design of Fairview Avenue mill and overlay from Randolph Avenue to Edgcumbe Road with pedestrian improvements

    Median Islands

    • The locations of the median islands (Gate 4 at St. Catherine's, Eleanor Avenue, Bohland Avenue, and Saunders Avenue) were selected because of their proximity to neighborhood schools.
    • Median islands make it easier and more comfortable for pedestrians to cross the street and encourage slower driving speeds.
    Example of a median island that is planned to be constructed on Fairview Avenue at Eleanor, Bohland, and Saunders
    • The medians will restrict certain vehicle movements at these three intersections, including left turns from and to Fairview Avenue from Eleanor Avenue and Saunders Avenue and the ability to drive across Fairview Avenue on Eleanor Avenue, Bohland Avenue, and Saunders Avenue.
    • The median at Bohland Avenue will prohibit left turns from Bohland Avenue, and southbound Fairview Avenue to eastbound Bohland Avenue left turns, but will allow northbound Fairview Avenue to westbound Bohland Avenue left turns. This change in initial designs was made to address higher volumes on Bohland Avenue potentially rerouting to Beechwood Avenue, which is narrower than typical.
    • The median islands planned for Fairview Avenue are at different cross streets than the medians planned for Snelling Avenue in 2024. The locations of the medians along Fairview Avenue and Snelling Avenue were coordinated between the two projects to provide equal benefit to all residents. (https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/snellingave-stpaul/index.html)