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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 
Community engagement started in fall 2022. Utility work started in 2023 and will continue until road construction begins in 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin spring 2025 and continue through 2026.

Timeline for Grand Avenue construction project
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    Construction Update, October 25, 2024

    Ongoing activities on Robert Street, updated October 25, 2024

    Utility work continues through spring 2025 on Robert Street between 11th and 7th Streets and through December 2024 between 7th Street and Kellogg Boulevard in advance of the reconstruction project. Please be aware of the following impacts: 

    Traffic Impacts

    • Robert Street remains reduced to one lane in each direction between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Intersection restrictions/closures will occur periodically as needed for safety reasons or as required to complete construction activities. 

    Current activities along Robert Street:

    • Between 11th and 9th Streets
      • Xcel Gas is working on their utilities.
      • Work between 10th and 11th Streets is complete. The pits will not be backfilled until further testing is completed on the gas lines. The road is anticipated to be restored in mid-November. 
      • Work between 10th and 9th Streets continues through early November.
    • At 9th Street
      • The east side of the intersection will be closed to/from Robert Street starting the week of October 28. 
      • Robert Street will remain open to northbound and southbound traffic.
      • Access to the west side of the intersection to/from Robert Street will remain open.
    • Between 9th and 7th Streets
      • Xcel Electric is working on their underground vaults.
      • Current activities scheduled in this area will continue through December 2024.
    • At 7th Street 
      • Xcel Electric is nearing completion of their work at this intersection. 
      • This intersection is anticipated to open to traffic early next week. 
    • At 6th Street
      • Xcel Gas is working on installing their gas main.
      • Reduced to one lane across Robert Street. 
    • Between 6th Street and Kellogg Boulevard
      • Xcel Gas is working on their utilities.
      • Work between 5th and 6th Streets is complete. The pits will not be backfilled until further testing is completed on the gas lines. The road is anticipated to be restored in mid-November. 
    • Access to local businesses is being maintained.
    Pedestrian Access
    • Pedestrian access to properties on Robert Street is being maintained.
    • Please follow signed pedestrian routes when walking or rolling near work zones. 
    Map showing road closures and lane restrictions in downtown Saint Paul October 25, 2024

    Other area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, October 25, 2024

    Construction is happening throughout downtown. Plan accordingly and expect delays. Please follow all posted signs. Road and lane closures will change as construction continues.

    • 4th Street: Open to local traffic only between Sibley and Jackson Streets.
    • 5th Street: Lane restrictions between Sibley and Wacouta Streets.
    • 6th Street: 
      • Traffic restrictions expected near the Robert Street intersection through early November.
      • Reduced to one lane of traffic between Wabasha and Cedar Streets.
    • 7th Street: Reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction between Minnesota and Jackson Streets.
    • 9th Street: 
      • The east side of the intersection will be closed to/from Robert Street starting the week of October 28.
      • Robert Street will remain open to northbound and southbound traffic.
      • Access to the west side of the intersection to/from Robert Street will remain open.
    • 11th Street: Lane restrictions between Robert and Jackson Streets.
    • Kellogg Boulevard: Bridge Closure
      • Kellogg Boulevard will have periodic lane closures between Wabasha and Wacouta Streets.
      • Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge is closed between Broadway Street and Mounds Boulevard for the next three years. 
        • Access to parking lots and businesses will be maintained.
        • For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project and detailed access maps visit www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3. 
    • Minnesota Street: Closure
      • Minnesota Street is closed to thru traffic between 9th Street and 7th Street.
      • Lane restrictions between 11th and 9th Streets and between 7th and 6th Streets.
      • Access to local businesses will be maintained.
      • For more information about Minnesota Street, visit www.stpaul.gov/MinnesotaStreet2. 
    • Robert Street
      • Robert Street reduced to one lane in each direction between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
      • Pedro Park: For more information, please visit the Pedro Park project’s website: www.stpaul.gov/pedropark.
    • Sibley Street: Lane restrictions between 2nd Street and Shepard Road.
    • St. Peter Street: Lane restrictions between 5th Street and Kellogg Boulevard. 

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

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

    Metro Transit Gold Line

    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

    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.

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