Description
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct eight blocks of Robert Street in downtown Saint Paul, from I-94 to Kellogg Boulevard. Reconstruction is needed to repair and replace sidewalks, pavement, and utilities. Improvements include all new:

  • Sidewalks, boulevards, and trees
  • Curb, gutters, and storm water systems
  • Pavement and lane markings
  • Traffic signals and signage
  • Underground utilities

Location
Robert Street from Kellogg Boulevard to I-94 in downtown. 

Timeline 

  • Fall 2022: Community engagement started
  • 2023-2025: Utility work
  • 2025: Construction
  • 2026: Final construction
Tags

    Wednesday, April 8 Closure on Robert Street between 4th and 5th streets for construction

    On Wednesday, April 8 Robert Street will be closed between 4th and 5th streets for construction on a private building. This closure is necessary for safety reasons. Starting April 9 there will be lane restrictions on Robert Street between 4th and 5th streets.

    Northbound Robert Street between 10th and 11th streets will be closed Wednesday, April 8

    On Wednesday, April 8 northbound Robert Street will be closed between 10th and 11th streets for District Energy work. This construction work and road closure may continue into Thursday, April 9.

    April 13 Robert Street Reconstruction Work Resumes

    Starting April 13, the contactor will be onsite to complete the remaining items of the Robert Street Reconstruction project.

    Robert Street should remain open during this construction work. There will lane restrictions and traffic changes on Robert Street between 4th and 9th streets. Transit operations and bus stops will be maintained during construction. 

    Robert Street Reconstruction remaining work includes:

    • Sidewalk work between 6th Street and 7th Place
    • Work on the south sidewalk on 6th Street (adjacent to the Metropolitan Council building)
    • Landscape planters installed on the Securian block
    • Installation of pavers, trees, streetlights in locations that were not completed in 2025
    • Installation of permanent pavement markings

    Robert Street Closed between 12th and 14th streets until May 15

    District Energy has Robert Street closed between 12th and 14th streets for construction. This work is expected to continue until May 15.

    Completed: Sewer Work at 10th and Robert streets

    Sewer work at 10th Street and Robert Street was completed on April 3. Traffic control and parking restrictions should now be removed.

    Xcel Energy Work on Robert Street

    Xcel Energy is doing underground work on Robert Street in the area between 5th and 7th streets through May 1. Robert Street will remain open during this work. Please follow all posted no parking and traffic control signs.

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

    For more information on road closures in Saint Paul, visit www.stpaul.gov/roadclosures

    Help protect the new Robert Street roads and sidewalks this winter!

    Salt harms new concrete.
    Try sand or grit instead.

    Thank you for your collaboration during the Robert Street reconstruction project. We are excited to reopen the road and sidewalks again in late November.

    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.

    Printable flyer on not using salt on new concrete

    Design Option B (2 vehicle lanes with a center turn lane) Selected for Robert Street

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 3 design options for Robert Street based on the first phase of public engagement. 

    Based on public input, Design Option B was selected by the City.

    Design Option B is 2 vehicle lanes with a center turn lane. The design features wider sidewalks, bumpouts at intersections, in-lane Bus Rapid Transit stations, left turn lanes for multimodal safety, retains on-street parking at key nodes, accommodates green infrastructure to improve water quality, and provides critical loading zones.

    View the Concept Design Memo for details on how Design Option B was selected and examples of how a typical block on Robert Street will look.

    Graphic showing the path from public input to the 3 design options for Robert Street to the decision to go with Design Option B for Robert Street

    Project Goals

    The reconstruction of Robert Street presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve the City’s vision of what a modern downtown corridor can be: safe, livable, inviting, active, a center of regional economic activity – and equitable for all. The following project goals will guide this reconstruction project.

    • Create a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone
    • Improve mobility for all modes of travel
    • Support efficient and reliable transit service through downtown
    • Create an accessible and safe environment for people who walk and roll
    • Enhance street-level commerce
    • Facilitate a community engagement process that addresses the needs of all stakeholders
    • Improve and replace aging roads, sidewalks, and utilities in 2025 and 2026

    Project Updates - 2026

    Project Updates - 2025

    Project Updates - 2024

    Project Documents

    Upcoming public hearing scheduled for June 12

    The City of Saint Paul is holding a public hearing for the Robert Street Reconstruction (11th Street to Kellogg Boulevard) project assessment, during the city council meeting next week.

    Property owners, tenants, and others are invited to attend the hearing to provide comments on the estimated assessment rate. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may also provide comments via email, written letter, or voice mail to the contact information listed on your letter. A sample copy of the letter is in project documents below.

    For more information about the assessment, or to see if you are being assessed, please call 651-266-8858 with the parcel ID/address listed in your letter. All property owners were mailed a notification letter with the hearing information and the estimated assessment details from the Office of Financial Services in May 2024. 

    Public Hearing details

    When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

    Where: City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall – Court House

      15 W Kellogg Blvd

      St. Paul, MN 55102

    Information about testifying, including via telephone, is available on the Council’s website or on the Council’s agenda at www.stpaul.legistar.com.