This week (June 9-14)

Macalester Street closure scheduled for Friday, June 13 has been moved to Monday, June 16, due to weather.

Saturday June 14 Wheeler Street will be closed while crews work on storm sewer through the intersection. Work is weather permitting and scheduled to occur from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (may stop earlier). 

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street:

• Storm sewer is completed up to Wheeler Street.

• Pavement was removed through the Cambridge Street intersection.

Next week (16-21)

June 16-17 Macalester Street will be closed for work on the watermain. 

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Crews will begin installing conduit and signal bases.

• Rebuilding the road will begin at the Fairview Avenue intersection.

Grand Avenue between Cambridge and Macalester Street:

• After the new watermain is installed, service lines will be connected.

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 on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.

• Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.

  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue. 

  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

    • Macalester Street parking is not available June 9-14 between Summit and Lincoln avenues. 

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

Support Grand Avenue businesses during construction.

Grand Avenue businesses are open during construction! Support your local community by shopping, dining, and visiting the area. 

Several intersection closures June 12-14, weather permitting

• Thursday, June 12 Cambridge Street will be closed one day for crews to remove pavement through the intersection.
• Friday, June 13 Macalester Street will be closed for one day while Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) installs a valve.
• Saturday, June 14 Wheeler Street will be closed for one day while crews work on the storm sewer.

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

June 9-13 Macalester Street and Grand Avenue intersection closes

This week (June 2-7)

Crews will work this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (may stop earlier) on storm sewer in the Fairview Avenue intersection.

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Connecting service lines to the new watermain between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street.

• Installing new watermain between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.

Cambridge Street intersection: 

• Current private utility work is completed. Additional private utility work may occur in the area.

Next week (9-14)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• After storm sewer work is completed, crews will begin installing conduit and signal bases.

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street:

• After water services are connected to the watermain, storm sewer work will continue to Wheeler Street.

Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue:

• Macalester Street is scheduled to close to thru traffic Monday, June 9 between Summit and Lincoln Avenues through Friday, June 13.

  • Utility work for Macalester College’s construction project will be done.

  • Crews will remove pavement through the intersection so Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) can install a valve to their existing watermain.

Snelling Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Private utility work continues.

• The southbound right lane on Snelling Avenue is closed.

• This work is estimated to take two weeks to complete.

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 on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.

• Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.

  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue. 

  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues. Please follow posted signs.

    • Macalester Street parking is not available June 9-14 between Summit and Lincoln avenues. 

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

Several intersection & nearby construction road closures June 2 - 4, weather permitting

• Monday, June 2 Wheeler Street will be closed one day through the intersection with Grand Avenue for work on service lines.
• Monday, June 2 Cleveland Avenue closed to thru traffic from St Clair Avenue to Grand Avenue.
  • Fairview Avenue detour: St Clair Avenue to Cretin Avenue to Grand Avenue to Cleveland Avenue to Marshall Avenue
• Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, June 4 Macalester Street will be closed to thru traffic from Lincoln Avenue to Summit Avenue for Macalester College's utility construction.
• Friday, May 30 thru 6 a.m. Sunday, June 1 MnDOT will close the intersection of Snelling Avenue and St. Clair Avenue. The intersection will remain open Sunday, June 1 to accommodate traffic for Grand Old Day. The intersection will then close overnight from 9 p.m. Mon., June 2 until 6 a.m. Tue., June 3 and again from 9 p.m. Tues., June 3 until 6 a.m. Wed., June 4 when work is complete.

This week (May 27-31)

Crews may work this Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (may stop earlier)

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street: 

• Sanitary sewer work continues.

Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Fairview Avenue:

• Removing streetcar tracks.

  • Expect short-term closures/traffic delays when crews work through the intersections.

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Watermain testing continues between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street.

• Sections of the temporary water pipe will be buried between Cambridge and Macalester streets.

Next week (June 2-7)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• After water services are connected to the watermain, we will begin working on the storm sewer.

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street:

• Connecting water service lines to the new watermain.

Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue:

• Complete streetcar track and brick removals.

  • Expect short-term closures/traffic delays when crews work through the intersections.

• Watermain installation will begin between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue. 

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Permanent connections to the watermain may begin between Fairview Avenue and Wheeler Street.

Snelling Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Private utility work will begin.

• The southbound right lane on Snelling Avenue is scheduled to close.

• This work is estimated to take two weeks to complete.

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 on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.

• Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.

  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue. 

  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

May 29 Wheeler Street closed at Grand Avenue

Thursday, May 29 Wheeler Street will be closed through the intersection with Grand Avenue for sanitary sewer work.

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 on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.
• Cambridge and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.
• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.
  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue.
  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed.
• Please follow any posted detour signs.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

For details on business access, pedestrian access, and detours, including a printable map, please visit www.stpaul.gov/GrandAvenue

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

This week (May 19-23)

Crews begin working most Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through fall

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street: 

• Sanitary sewer work continues moving towards Wheeler Street

• UPDATE: Wheeler Street intersection closed Thursday, May 22 through Friday, May 23, for watermain work

Grand Avenue between Wheeler Street and Fairview Avenue:

• Brick removals will be completed

Crews will have the site cleaned up by 7 p.m. Friday, May 23 for the holiday weekend. They will resume work at 7 am. on Tuesday, May 27.

Next week (May 27-30)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Preparing for storm sewer work 

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street:

• Sanitary sewer work continues

Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue:

• Concrete and streetcar track removals begin

  • Expect short-term closures/traffic delays when crews work through the intersections

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Watermain connections will begin (pending test results)

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 on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.

• Wheeler, Cambridge and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue. 

  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets. 

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue. 

  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

Updated: May 22 & 23 Wheeler Street closed at Grand Avenue

Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23 Wheeler Street will be closed through the intersection with Grand Avenue for watermain work that was delated due to the rain this week.

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 on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.
• Cambridge and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.
• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.
  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue.
  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed.
• Please follow any posted detour signs.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

For details on business access, pedestrian access, and detours, including a printable map, please visit www.stpaul.gov/GrandAvenue

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

May 19 Grand Avenue closes between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue

This week (May 12-16)

Crews begin working most Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through fall

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Storm sewer and sanitary sewer work continues

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS):

• Temporary water connections have been completed along Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street

• Temporary water pipes are prepared along Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Macalester Street.

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Wheeler Street: 

• Sanitary sewer work begins moving east of Fairview Avenue

• Wheeler Street intersection closes Monday, May 19 through Tuesday, May 20, for sanitary sewer work

Next week (May 19-23)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Storm and sanitary sewer work continues

Wheeler Street and Grand Avenue intersection:

• Will be closed Monday, May 19 through Tuesday, May 20, for sanitary sewer work

Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue:

• Grand Avenue closes to all traffic on Monday, May 19 through mid-August

  • Intersections remain open, except when work is occurring through them

• Crews will mill up the first couple of inches of the asphalt pavement early in the week

  • Expect short-term closures/traffic delays when crews work through the intersections

• Concrete, bricks, and trolley track removals will follow

Cambridge Street and Lincoln Avenue intersection:

• A temporary stop sign will be installed, making this intersection a temporary 4-way stop. 

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Work on the watermain begins

  • Water shutoffs will occur and SPRWS has notified all impacted properties

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

Local and business access 

• Directional signage will be updated for local business and pedestrian access routes between Fairview and Snelling avenues. 

• Local and business access remains open on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues.

• Wheeler, Cambridge and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue. 

  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets. 

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue west of Fairview Avenue. 

  • Short-term parking is available on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

This week (May 5-9)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Storm sewer and sanitary sewer manhole work continues

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS):

• Work has begun on installing temporary water service

• SPRWS will coordinate with properties that will have short-term water shutoffs

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Wheeler Street: 

• Curb and gutter is being removed on the north side of Grand Avenue

• Trucks will be hauling rubble off site for the next few weeks

Next week (May 12-16)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Storm and sanitary sewer work continues

Wheeler Street and Grand Avenue intersection:

• Will be closed Tuesday, May 13 through Thursday, May 15

  • Watermain and storm sewer work will occur

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Work on the watermain begins

  • On Wednesday, May 14, crews will be working after hours starting at 5 p.m. at the Fairview Avenue intersection

  • Temporary water shutoff will occur on Grand Avenue between Prior and Fairview avenues and SPRWS has notified all impacted properties

UPCOMING: Grand Avenue is scheduled to close to all traffic on Monday, May 19 between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.

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

Local and business access 

• Additional directional signage has been installed along the pedestrian access routes. 

• Local and business access remains open on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues, and between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.

• Wheeler, Cambridge and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue. 

  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets. 

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue. 

  • Additional short-term parking has been added along Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

This week (April 28 – May 2)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Storm sewer and sanitary sewer manhole work has begun

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS):

• Temporary water pipes are set up and being tested

• Once testing passes, the temporary water pipes will be activated, and crews will begin working on the water service lines

• SPRWS will coordinate with properties to connect temporary water pipes and and those that will have short-term water shutoffs

Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Wheeler Street: 

• Curb and gutter is being removed on the north side of Grand Avenue

• Trucks will be hauling rubble off site for the next few weeks

Next week (May 5-9)

Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection: 

• Private utility crews will adjust their fiber lines through the intersection 

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 

• Temporary water service installation will be occurring

• Work on the watermain will begin

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

Local and business access 

• Additional directional signage has been installed along the pedestrian access routes. 

• Local and business access remains open on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues, and between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.

• Wheeler, Cambridge and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue, except when work is occurring through the intersections.

  • Closure of Wheeler Street for Tumble Fresh Laundromat storm sewer work is scheduled to reopen by the end of the day on Friday, May 2, if not sooner.

• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets. 

  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue. 

  • Additional short-term parking has been added along Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed. 

• Please follow any posted detour signs.

• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

This week (April 21-25)

Crews have begun removing the layers of concrete and bricks and the trolley tracks between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street. This will continue for the next 2-3 weeks.

Next week (April 28 - May 2)

Sanitary sewer work in the Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection will begin. This work will take approximately two weeks to complete.

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) continues assembling temporary water pipes in preparation for their work that will begin later this month/early next month. They are coordinating with properties that have short-term water shutoffs that are anticipated to begin in early May.

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

Local and business access (see map below)

• Additional directional signage has been installed along the detour routes.
• Summit Avenue from Prior Avenue to Selby Avenue will be closed for a race on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As the last runner clears an intersection along Summit Avenue, the roadway will be reopened. Organizers anticipate that Summit Avenue at Snelling Avenue and Prior Avenue will reopen by 11 a.m., if not sooner.
  • Drivers should use alternative side streets to access businesses and intersections crossing Grand Avenue.
  • Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester Streets remain open across Grand Avenue.
• Local and business access remains open on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues, and between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.
• Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.
  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.
• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.
  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.
  • Additional short-term parking has been added along Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.
• Printable business and pedestrian access map

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should use the south side of the sidewalk along Grand Avenue, except as directed.
• Please follow any posted detour signs.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• Route 63 is detoured to Summit Avenue with stops at Grand & Cleveland, Summit & Fairview, Grand & Snelling.
• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

Business office hours

The City of Saint Paul conducts weekly meetings in person and through Microsoft Teams. This is an opportunity for businesses to ask questions and to discuss any concerns they have with the project team. The next meeting will be located at the construction trailer on the corner of Grand Avenue and Macalester Street, or you can attend virtually.

Business open office hours
Wednesdays
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

• In-person: Construction trailer at the northwest corner of Macalester Street and Grand Avenue
• Virtual: Join the Microsoft Teams meeting online (No need to download Teams. Join in your web browser.)
• Call in: 612-315-7905; Conference ID: 362 830 406# (on cell phones, one click dialing: +1 612-315-7905,,362830406# )

For Businesses:

If you would like to receive a customized business map please send your request to publicworksinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

This week (April 14 - 18)

Pavement removals have begun on Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street. We will continue to remove the layers of concrete and bricks starting in the Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection and continuing east to Cambridge Street. 

Next week (April 21 - 25)

Next week, sanitary sewer structures will be delivered to the project site. We will begin installing thirteen structures between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street after the layers of concrete and bricks have been removed and we can access the underground structures. 

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) will begin assembling their temporary water pipes in preparation for their work that will begin later this month/early next month. They will be coordinating with properties that have short-term water shutoffs. 

Local and business access 

• Local and business access remains open on Grand Avenue between Cleveland and Fairview avenues, and between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.
• Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.
  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.
• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.
  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.
    • Exception:  No parking is available on the south side of Grand Avenue between Cambridge and Macalester streets. Xcel is replacing their gas line in this area. Work is expected to be completed early the week of April 21.
  • Additional short-term parking has been added along Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets between Summit and Lincoln avenues.

Pedestrian access during construction

• One side of the sidewalk will always remain open along Grand Avenue.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information see Metro Transit's webpage.

Business office hours

The City of Saint Paul will be conducting weekly meetings in person and through Microsoft Teams. This is an opportunity for businesses to ask questions and to discuss any concerns they have with the project team. The next meeting will be located at the construction trailer on the corner of Grand Ave. and Macalester St. or you can attend virtually. 

Business open office hours
Wednesdays
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

In-person: Construction trailer at the northwest corner of Macalester Street and Grand Avenue

Virtual: Join the Microsoft Teams meeting online (No need to download Teams. Join in your web browser.)

Call in: 612-315-7905; Conference ID: 362 830 406# 
(on cell phones, one click dialing: +1 612-315-7905,,362830406# )

2-month closure of the Grand Avenue and Fairview Avenue intersection begins April 14

The Grand Avenue and Fairview Avenue intersection will close for 2 months beginning Monday, April 14. This intersection closure is needed while crews replace underground utilities, rebuild the road, install the new traffic signals, install the pedestrian ramps, and restore the roadway with pavement. This intersection work is anticipated to be completed by mid-June.

Vehicle traffic will be detoured using Cleveland, Marshall, and Snelling avenues. No trucks are allowed on Summit Avenue.

Grand Avenue will close to all vehicle traffic between Fairview Avenue and Cambridge Street on Monday, April 14

Local access during the Fairview Avenue and Grand Avenue intersection closure

• Local access on Grand Avenue will be between Cleveland and Fairview avenues, and between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.
• Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets remain open across Grand Avenue.
  • Except when work is occurring through the intersections.
• Parking and deliveries are available using alleys and side streets.
  • Parking remains available on Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.
    • Exception: No parking is available on the south side of Grand Avenue between Cambridge and Macalester streets. Xcel is replacing their gas line in this area. Work is expected to be completed in late April.

Pedestrian access during construction

• One side of the sidewalk will always remain open along Grand Avenue.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Grand Avenue Detour Map during Fairview Intersection Closure

Xcel Energy Work Starts on Monday, April 7

Xcel Energy will be working on Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Macalester Street starting on April 7. Work is anticipated to take approximately two weeks.

Xcel is relocating a gas line and replacing gas lines, meters, and valves on the front of the buildings on the south side of Grand Avenue. Xcel will coordinate with property owners as needed.

Traffic and parking impacts:

• Grand Avenue will remain open to traffic.
• No Parking will be allowed on the south side of Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Macalester Street and on Cambridge Street just south of Grand Avenue.
• Sidewalks may be closed. Sidewalk access will be maintained on the north side of Grand Avenue.
• Business and property access will be maintained.
• Please follow all posted signs.

Grand Avenue closed March 17 and 18 for tree removals

Portions of Grand Avenue between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue will be closed on Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18. Each block is anticipated to be closed for one day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tree removals. No parking will be allowed on Grand Avenue while each block is closed. The work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled if needed.

Anticipated schedule

• March 17 - Grand Avenue closed between Cambridge Street and Macalester Street
• March 18 - Grand Avenue closed between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue

Detours and access

• Drivers will be detoured around the closure using Snelling Avenue, St Clair Avenue, and Fairview Avenue
• Macalester Street intersection will remain open across Grand Avenue
• Pedestrian access will be maintained
• Businesses should have deliveries use the alley or park on adjacent side streets 

Grand Avenue Detour Map for March 17 and 18

• CANCELED: Tree removals originally scheduled for November 25 and 26 are being delayed until 2025.

• No other construction work is scheduled for Grand Avenue in 2024.

• Saint Paul Regional Water Service completed water valve work at the Fairview Avenue intersection this week.
• Investigative trenching and potholing is scheduled for next week.
  • This will involve excavations in specific locations to confirm underground infrastructure and utilities and assist in finalizing construction plans.
  • There will be investigative work on the block between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue and possibly in other locations, likely near intersections.

• Tree removals are scheduled to occur between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue starting the week of November 25

  • Forestry staff worked with the project staff to identify and mark trees for removal between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.

  • Trees are removed for various reasons, including their current health and expected lifespan, location in relation to buried utilities, and anticipated impact from nearby construction to their roots.

• Sanitary sewer work will not occur this year due to the contractor's need to close Grand Avenue to complete this work. This work will be done next year during the road reconstruction.

• All construction work is weather permitting and subject to contractor availability.

• Traffic impacts:

  • Grand Avenue should remain open to traffic throughout the 2024 work and the winter.

  • Lane shifts and parking restrictions will may be in place during investigative potholing and tree removal.

  • Two-way traffic will be maintained with traffic control.

  • Please follow all posted signs, including No Parking signs.

• The contractor is scheduling their construction work on Grand Avenue in 2024. A start date has not yet been determined.

• All construction work is weather permitting and subject to contractor availability.

• Tree removals:

  • Forestry staff worked with the project staff to identify and mark trees for removal between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue.

  • Trees are removed for various reasons including, their current health and expected lifespan, location in relation to buried utilities, and anticipated impact from nearby construction to their roots.

  • Tree removals are scheduled to occur between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue in November.

• Sanitary sewer work:

  • Sanitary sewer work is anticipated to include:

    •  Rebuilding utility street access points (manholes)

    •  Private sanitary sewer service lines and connections in the right of way (from sewer main to property line)

  • Sanitary sewer work will likely occur throughout the Grand Avenue corridor, except between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue.

  • Properties impacted by sanitary sewer service work will be notified by the contractor. The contractor will work directly with property owners to discuss sanitary sewer impacts and schedules.

  • Sanitary sewer service work typically takes half a day to a day to do. While the contractor is working on the sanitary sewer service for the property, people will not be able to flush toilets or use sink drains. 

  • Sanitary sewer work will include digging holes in the boulevard, curb, and parking lanes. These holes will be patched with asphalt.

  • Any sanitary sewer work not completed this year, will be done in 2025.

• Investigative trenching and potholing, in the right of way, will involve excavations in specific locations to confirm underground infrastructure and utilities and assist in finalizing construction plans. There will be investigative work on the block between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue and possibly in other locations.

• Water valve work may occur at the Fairview Avenue intersection in November, pending coordination with MnDOT on their Snelling Avenue construction and weather permitting.

• Traffic impacts:

  • Grand Avenue should remain open to traffic throughout the 2024 work.

  • Lane shifts and parking restrictions will likely be in place.

  • Two-way traffic will be maintained with traffic control.

  • Please follow all posted signs, including No Parking signs.

• Grand Avenue will be open to traffic throughout the winter once the 2024 construction is completed.

MnDOT work on Snelling Avenue is ongoing and scheduled to be completed this year.

• Forest Lake Contracting, Inc. has been selected as the contractor for the Grand Avenue reconstruction project.
• The contractor is tentatively scheduled to start work the week of October 21, schedule and weather permitting.
• Construction anticipated to occur in 2024 includes sanitary sewer work, investigative trenching and potholing, and tree removals between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue. Water valve work may also occur at the Fairview Avenue intersection.
• Sanitary sewer work:
  • Sanitary sewer work is anticipated to include rebuilding utility access points (manholes) and private sanitary sewer service lines and connections.
  • Sanitary sewer work will likely occur throughout the Grand Avenue corridor, except between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue.
  • Properties impacted by sanitary sewer service work will be notified by the contractor. The contractor will work directly with property owners to discuss sanitary sewer impacts and schedules.
  • Sanitary sewer service work typically takes half a day to a day to do. There will be temporary impacts to sanitary sewer usage at the property.
  • Sanitary sewer work will include digging holes in the boulevard, curb, and parking lanes. These holes will be patched with asphalt.
• Investigative trenching and potholing will involve excavations in specific locations to confirm underground infrastructure and utilities and assist in finalizing construction plans. There will be investigative work on the block between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue and possibly in other locations.
• Tree removals are scheduled to occur between Cambridge Street and Snelling Avenue in November.
• Water valve work may occur at the Fairview Avenue intersection in November, pending coordination with MnDOT on their Snelling Avenue construction and weather permitting.
• Traffic impacts:
  • Grand Avenue should remain open to traffic throughout the 2024 work.
  • Lane restrictions and parking restrictions will be in place.
  • Please follow all posted signs, including No Parking signs.
• Grand Avenue will be open to traffic throughout the winter once the 2024 construction is completed.

MnDOT work on Snelling Avenue is ongoing and scheduled to be completed this year.

• Thru-traffic on Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Snelling Avenue will be closed during construction. There will be no parking on Grand Avenue. 

• Local vehicle access to businesses and properties will be maintained using side streets and alleys. Deliveries need to use the alley or side streets.

• There will be pedestrian/sidewalk access to businesses, but they may be on the other side of the street and crossings only allowed in specific areas.

• The goal is to maintain front door access to businesses and residential properties to the extent possible.
• Sidewalk access in front of businesses and residential properties will be maintained as long as possible.
• The project will coordinate access and restrictions to access with businesses and property owners.
• When new sidewalk is poured, there will be a time when access is limited.

• No parking will be allowed on Grand Avenue from Fairview Avenue to Snelling Avenue once construction begins.

• Parking will be available on adjacent side streets.

• The City has proposed installing additional 2-hour parking signs one block north and south of Grand Avenue on Wheeler, Cambridge, and Macalester streets.

  • The City will increase enforcement and may adjust temporary parking restrictions as needed.

  • The City will inform the contractor that employee’s personal vehicles cannot park on streets more within a 1-block radius of the project site. 

• Intersections at Wheeler, Cambridge and Macalaster will remain open to north/south traffic except when work is occurring through them. 

• Pedestrians will be able to cross Grand Avenue at cross streets that are open, follow all posted signs along the corridor. 

• Yes, vehicle traffic will be able to make all turns at Cambridge Street and Grand Avenue. 
• Eastbound Grand Avenue vehicles will turn left and right on to Cambridge Street from the drive lane. There is no designated left turn lane to Cambridge Street. The pedestrian refuge median will not impact left turns.
• Westbound Grand Avenue vehicles will turn left on to Cambridge Street from a designated left turn lane.
• Vehicles on Cambridge Street will turn left on to Grand Avenue from the drive lane.

• Residents and businesses can expect construction work on Grand Avenue during the week, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

• There MAY be potential construction work on Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m.*

  *Notice will be provided in advance of any weekend work. Please be sure to sign up for the weekly construction updates or check the website regularly for any changes.

• Street reconstruction project funded by:
  • New 1% city sales tax
  • Municipal State Aid
  • Assessments to abutting property owners
• Abutting property owners received a letter with the estimated assessment rate in May 2024 and a public hearing was held.
• Property owners are assessed after the construction project is complete.
• View information about and pay assessments at www.stpaul.gov/assessments

• Business Access Map during Grand closure from Fairview to Snelling avenues - May 16, 2025
• Construction Detour Map - May 16, 2025
• Business Access Map during Construction (closure from Fairview to Cambridge) - April 24, 2025
• Construction Project Map (2025)
• Construction Phases Map (2024 - replaced with 2025 map above)
• Project Map (2024 - replaced with 2025 map above)
• Existing Conditions Overview
• Crash Location Map
• Grand Avenue Existing and Future Land Use

• One-page Project Flyer - March 2025
• Public Hearing Notice - Estimated assessment rate letter to property owners - May 2024
• One-page Project Flyer - May 2024
• One-page Project Summary - March 2024
• Letter to residents - March 2024

Grand Avenue Overall Design Concept:

Grand Avenue Recommended Layout

Right of Way usage:

• Curb-to-curb width narrowed from 55 feet to 48 feet (7-foot roadway width reduction)
  • Left turn lane remains at 10 feet
  • Travel lanes narrowed from 13 feet to 11 feet
  • Parking lanes narrowed from 10 feet to 8 feet
• Total non-vehicle space widened from 24 feet to 32 feet
  • Sidewalks remain at 6 feet in residential areas, 8 feet in commercial areas
  • Boulevards widened from 6 feet to 10 feet in residential areas, 8 feet in commercial areas
  • In commercial areas with paved boulevard space, sidewalk space widened from 12 feet to 16 feet

Intersections:

At unsignalized intersections:

• Bumpouts installed at each non-signalized intersection narrowing crossing distance from 55 feet to 36 feet.

At Fairview Avenue:

• Bumpouts are proposed to be installed at each intersection quadrant, narrowing crossing distance to 36 feet.

At Cambridge Street: 

• The intersection will feature different improvements in order to facilitate safe crossing for students of the adjacent Hidden River Jr High.

• West leg of Grand Avenue:
  • Sidewalk: 8 feet
  • Boulevard: 8 feet (paved on the south side, landscaped on the north side)
  • Sidewalk extension: 6 feet (on the south side)
  • Through-lanes: 11 feet (westbound) / 13 feet (eastbound)
  • Parking lane: 8 feet (westbound)
  • Center median island: 10 feet
• East leg of Grand Avenue:
  • Sidewalk: 8 feet
  • Boulevard: 8 feet (paved on both sides)
  • Sidewalk extension: 6 feet (on both sides)
  • Through-lanes: 13 feet
  • Center left turn lane: 10 feet

Between Macalester Street and Snelling Avenue:

• The block segment will feature a unique layout which will be carried forward from a previous project done in coordination with Macalester College and Public Works in 2008. This project constructed the center median and established the current layout. The reconstruction will narrow the street width to be in line with the other segments of Grand Avenue but will maintain the existing layout between the crossing points. Rendering of the raised crossings.
• Grand Ave block segment between the east and west mid-block crossings:
  • Sidewalk width: 8 feet
  • Boulevard width: 14 feet
  • Roadway width: 36 feet
    • Through-lanes: 14 feet
    • Center median: 8 feet
• Mid-block crossings through this section will be consolidated down to two from the existing three points. These crossings will be improved to legal crossings with signage, marking and be raised in order to maximize accessibility and traffic calming through the college campus.

For additional details and explanation on design rationale, please find further reading below under technical data & design.

• Display Boards from March 20, 2025 meeting
• PowerPoint slides from March 20, 2025 meeting
• Video presentation using PowerPoint slides from March 20, 2025 meeting
• One-page flyer from March 20, 2025 meeting
• PowerPoint slides from March 21, 2024 meeting
• Video presentation with PowerPoint slides from March 21, 2024 meeting

• Grand Avenue Layout Design Examples and Cross Sections Poster
• Open House 3 Presentation
• Open House 3 Video Recording - February 1, 2023
• Grand Avenue Full Engagement Summary Phase 2 Update
• Transportation Committee Preferred Concept Review Presentation
• Open House 2 Presentation
• Open House 2 Video Recording - September 28, 2022
• Grand Avenue Phase 1 Engagement Summary and Existing Conditions Report
• View comments received during Phase 1 engagement on the interactive map
• Open House Presentation
• Virtual Open House Video Recording - June 1, 2022
• Project Fact Sheet
• Macalester-Groveland District Council Meeting Presentation

Grand Avenue Fairview Avenue to Snelling Avenue Recommended Layout 

Complete Streets Checklist

Project Design Phase 2 Engagement Report

Project Design Rationale

Raised Crossing Project Memo

Pedestrian Crossing Counts

Parking Study Summary