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 Robert Street reconstruction project
Tags

    Construction Update, June 13, 2025

    Robert Street is closed to traffic between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard

    The week of June 16

    • Robert Street is closed to traffic between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard

      • Northbound traffic will continue to be detoured using Kellogg Boulevard, Minnesota Street, 7th Street, Jackson Street, and 12th Street.

      • Southbound traffic will continue to be detoured using 11th Street, Jackson Street, and Kellogg Boulevard.

      • Most intersections will remain open to east/west traffic, but some intersections will be restricted to one lane in each direction for two-way traffic, or a single lane for one-way traffic.

    Activities

    • Pavement removals begin at 11th Street and move south.

      • This work will have higher levels of noise and vibration.

        • Curb installation, pavement, and sidewalk activities will follow over the next few weeks.

      • Watermain installation and preparation activities continue.

        • Watermain work between 11th and 9th streets is completed.

        • Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) is working on installing temporary water services between 4th Street and 6th  Street in advance of the watermain work that will begin later this month.

      • Crews are working on sanitary sewer replacements between 4th Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Pavement removals are scheduled to begin early the week of June 16.

    • Restrictions at 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street, 7th Street, 7th Place, 6th Street, and 5th Street intersections

      • Pavement removals continue between 10th and 7th streets and will move south following the watermain work.

      • Watermain pipe installation and service connections, or prep to install the watermain are occurring.

      • Periodic intersection restrictions will occur throughout the duration of the project. 

    The week of June 23

    • Robert Street remains closed to traffic between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard

      • Northbound traffic will continue to be detoured using Kellogg Boulevard, Minnesota Street, 7th Street, Jackson Street, and 12th Street.

      • Southbound traffic will continue to be detoured using 11th Street, Jackson Street, and Kellogg Boulevard.

      • Most intersections will remain open to east/west traffic, but some intersections will be restricted to one lane in each direction for two-way traffic, or a single lane for one-way traffic.

    Activities

    • Watermain installation and preparation activities continue.

      • Watermain installation is scheduled to occur between 9th and 7th streets is scheduled to be completed in mid-to-late June.

    • Restrictions at 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street, 7th Street, 7th Place, 6th Street, and 5th Street intersections

      • Watermain pipe installation and service connections, or prep to install the watermain are occurring.

      • Pavement removals will continue to move south, following the watermain work.

        • This work will have higher levels of noise and vibration.

        • Curb installation, pavement, and sidewalk activities will follow over the next few weeks.

      • Periodic intersection restrictions will occur throughout the duration of the project. 

    Local and business access

    • Access to local businesses is being maintained

    • Please follow signed detour routes 

    Pedestrian Access

    • Pedestrian access to properties on Robert Street is being maintained.

    • Please follow signed pedestrian routes when walking or rolling near work zones. 

    Bus Stops

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

    Robert Street Detour Map

    Map showing detour route for Robert Street closure May 30, 2025

    Downtown Saint Paul Road Closures and Lane Restrictions Map, Updated June 13, 2025

    Map showing road closures and lane restrictions in downtown Saint Paul June 13, 2025

    Other area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, June 13, 2025

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

    For more information on road closures in Saint Paul, visit www.stpaul.gov/roadclosures
    • 6th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Jackson streets.
    • 7th Street:
      • Local business traffic only between Kellogg Boulevard and Grand Avenue/Ramsey Street.
      • Lane restrictions between Cedar and Jackson streets.
    • Kellogg Boulevard:
      • Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027.  
      • Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard.
      • Access to parking lots and businesses is being maintained.
      • For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit: www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
    • Minnesota Street:
      • Closed between 11th and 7th streets.
      • Lane restrictions between 7th Place and 6th Street.
    • Robert Street:
      • Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
      • Intersection restrictions at 11th, 10th, 7th, 6th, and 5th streets.
    • Robert Street at Pedro Park:

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

    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 - 2025

    Project Updates - 2024

    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.