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Description
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road in 2025 and 2026. The roadway is approximately ¼ mile, serves multiple modes of transportation, and provides access to several properties through a primarily industrial area.  The intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue is part of this work, but the design has not yet been finalized.  

Project improvements include improved curbs and pedestrian ramps, sidewalk updates, new road surface, more trees, shared use walk/bike path, new street lighting, and replacement of underground utilities as needed.

Location
University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road

Timeline
2025 - 2026

University Avenue Reconstruction design map.
Tags

    University Avenue Reconstruction Community Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

    Join Public Works on Tuesday, May 26 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. to learn more about the University Avenue Reconstruction Project. Public Works has hired a contractor for the full reconstruction of University Avenue from just west of I-35E to Lafayette Road.  Construction for this project is anticipated to start in June 2026. The roadway is approximately ¼ mile, serves multiple modes of transportation, and provides access to several properties through a primarily industrial area. A letter will be sent to property owners with properties abutting University.

    Tuesday, May 26
    12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Join the University Avenue Reconstruction Meeting online via Microsoft Teams (no need to download Teams, join in the web browser of your choice)
    Call in (audio only): 612-315-7905, Conference ID: 816 079 513# 

    Xcel Energy Work Begins April 6, 2026

    Separate from tree removals, Xcel Energy will be working on University Avenue between I-35E and Lafayette Road to upgrade underground gas utilities. This work is typically done in advance of city reconstruction projects and will have limited access disruptions.

    Work begins Monday, April 6 and is expected to continue through Friday, April 24. Other utilities may be working in the project area in addition to Xcel Energy.

    Project Updates

    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.