On This Page

Project Details

Project Map Back to All Projects
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

August 14 Construction Work on Roadway

Expect minor travel delays along Jackson Street as work occurs. Jackson Street will remain open.

On Friday, August 14, the city's contractor will be applying an asphalt pavement rejuvenator (Reclamite) to Jackson Street between University Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. 

Application is expected to begin around 9:00 a.m. on August 14 and take a few hours. Jackson Street will remain open to traffic throughout the work. Please plan for and expect minor travel delays.

What to expect during application:

  • Traffic Control: The coating takes approximately 15 minutes to set up. Flagging crews will guide traffic safely around the application area during this time.
  • Driveway Access: Access to driveways will be maintained throughout the process. Work around driveways will be completed in halves so vehicles can enter and exit in a single file.
  • Driving on Treatment: After initial curing, a light sand layer will be applied over the treatment to allow slow-speed travel. Once fully absorbed, the street will return to normal driving conditions.

Reclamite is a cost-effective pavement preservation treatment that seals the road and extends its lifespan by an average of five years. This application is part of a pilot project to evaluate new road preservation techniques in Saint Paul. We appreciate your patience with this brief inconvenience as we work to protect and extend the life of your street.

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

Retaining Wall Work Continues

  • Work on the retaining wall will continue through August.
  • Valley Street will be closed from Capitol Heights to Jackson Street.
  • Trail will be closed from Valley Street to University Avenue.

Traffic Impacts

  • Valley Street should use Capitol Heights and Winter Street as the detour.
  • The sidewalk on the north side of Valley Street will remain open.
  • Trail users should use the sidewalk on the east side of Jackson Street. Bicyclists are allowed on the sidewalk, but walking is encouraged.
  • Please follow all posted signs.

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.