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Graphic showing a map of the project area. The map shows a red line on Jackson Street north of University to Pennsylvania. It also shows a portion of Saint Paul surrounding the project area.

Description
The City of Saint Paul reconstructed Jackson Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to University Avenue in 2025.

The following items were included:

  • New pavement
  • A new bikeway along the west side of the roadway
  • Removal of on-street parking
  • New lighting and traffic control
  • New trees and additional greenspace in boulevards
  • Utility improvements including new water and sewer lines
  • Valley Street retaining wall improvements

Location
Jackson Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to University Avenue

Timeline

  • July - October 2024: Preliminary design

  • October 2024 - May 2025: Final design

  • July - November 2025: Construction start/end

  • Spring 2026: Tree planting and finish the Valley Street wall
     
  • Early summer 2026: Open Winter Street drainage system
Tags

Retaining Wall Work Begins July 15, 2026

This Week
Beginning Wednesday, work will resume on Jackson Street with the retaining wall.
- Wall work will be ongoing until the end of August
- Valley Street will be closed from Capitol Heights to Jackson Street.
- Trail will be closed from Valley Street to University Avenue.

Next Week
-Wall work continues
-Weekly update will cease until there’s a change in traffic control.

Traffic
-Valley Street traffic will need to use Capitol Heights and Winter Street as a detour.
-Northside sidewalk on Valley Street will remain open
-Trail users will need to use the east side sidewalk on Jackson. Bicyclists are allowed on the sidewalk, but walking is encouraged

Printable Map

Jackson Street is OPEN to traffic

  • Metro Transit routes are back on Jackson Street
  • The County bridge on Jackson Street north of Pennsylvania Avenue remains closed; follow County detour signage

Remaining Activities to be Completed in 2026

  • Tree planting (spring 2026)
  • Finish Valley Street wall (spring 2026)
  • Open Winter Street drainage system (early summer 2026)

Construction Contact Information

  • Public Works Project Manager: Jary Lee, (651) 266-1107
  • TKDA Project Engineer: Cassie Pinta, (763) 248-1629
  • TKDA Construction Inspector: Ian Reilly, (651) 726-7939

Help protect the new sidewalks this winter!

Salt harms new concrete. Try sand or grit instead.

Thank you for your collaboration during the Jackson Street reconstruction project.

To ensure long-lasting, durable concrete, please do not use salt or ice melt on newly poured sidewalks and roads this winter. Your participation is important to the quality and longevity of the concrete surfaces.

Why skip the salt?

  • New concrete is weakest during its first year
  • Salt accelerates the freeze/thaw cycle that could result in chipping or cracking of the concrete
  • Sand or grit (sold as chicken, poultry, or cherry stone grit) is a great alternative for increasing traction on icy surfaces

Project Updates

Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change.

Community Engagement

Outreach and community engagement events were held between August 2024 and July 2025 in and around the project area. If you have any additional comments or questions please contact the Project Manager Jary Lee at 651-266-1107 or jary.lee@ci.stpaul.mn.us. 

What we heard

Recent engagement along the corridor identified concerns from residents and employees in the area. The following is a summary of what we have heard:

  • What the street looks like is important to the neighborhood, and it needs improvement.
  • Accessibility is an issue including cracks in the sidewalk and roadway.
  • Safety improvements are needed including increased lighting and better sight lines.
  • Signage needs to be improved.

90% design based on feedback

View a larger version of the 90% design of Jackson Street

Map showing the 90% design of reconstructed Jackson Street. Includes a shared use path on the west side of the street.

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.