University Avenue Reconstruction Project Update: August 21, 2026

Additional construction closures that may impact access to the East Side of Saint Paul:

MnDOT’s East 7th Street Project Weekend Closures – August 21-24 and August 28-31

• 7 p.m. Fri, Aug. 21 through 5 a.m. Mon, Aug. 24 East 7th Street closed in both directions between Olive Street and Kittson Street
  • Detour map: Olive St., 8th St., Pine St., Grove St., Olive St., Phalen Blvd, Payne Ave. (PNG)
  • Overnight work through 6 a.m. Sat, Aug. 22.
  • Eastbound East 7th St. to southbound Hwy 52 remains open to eastbound traffic only using Olive St., 8th St., and Lafayette St.
• 7 p.m. Fri, Aug. 28 through 5 a.m. Mon, Aug. 31 East 7th Street closed in both directions between Payne Avenue and Lafayette Street.
• 9 p.m. Fri, Aug. 28 through 5 a.m. Mon, Aug. 31 ramp from northbound Highway 52 to East 7th Street will be closed.
• For more information, visit MnDOT’s East 7th St. and Arcade St. project webpage.

Current Traffic Impacts:

• University Avenue remains closed between L’Orient and Olive Streets.
• The intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue remains closed.
• Pedestrian access may change as work progresses. Please follow posted signage.
• Local and business access remains open. Please follow posted signage.

Upcoming Work – Week of August 24

• Continued work for the underground stormwater system near the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
• Roadway work will continue between Mississippi and E 12^th
• Sewer work will continue from Mississippi to Olive Street.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

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

University Avenue Reconstruction Project Update: August 14, 2026

Current Traffic Impacts:

• University Avenue remains closed between L’Orient and Olive Streets
• The intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue remains closed
• Pedestrian access may change as work progresses. Please follow posted signage.
• Local and business access remains open. Please follow posted signage.

Upcoming Work (August 17 - 21)

• Beginning installation of underground stormwater system.
• Continuing roadway removals will begin between North Pine Street and Olive Street.
• Watermain work continues from Mississippi to Olive Street.
• Xcel Gas to continue removals of old system piping.

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

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive Street.
• Please follow posted signage. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned 7AM – 7PM, Monday – Saturday.
• Thank you for your continued patience while this crucial and necessary work is being completed.

Project Contacts:

• Jack Connelly, Public Works Street Design and Construction, 651.266.5417, Jack.Connelly@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

• Brandon Mensing, Bolton and Menk Construction Manager, 612.289.0313, Brandon.Mensing@Bolton-Menk.com.

University Avenue Reconstruction Project Update: August 7, 2026

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned 7 a.m  – 7 p.m, Monday – Friday.
• We are currently in Phase 1.
• Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.
• Thank you for your continued patience while this crucial and necessary work is being completed.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Open to through traffic.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• UPDATE: This area is part of Phase 2 and will commence in the upcoming months.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work is ongoing nearby.

This week (August 10 - 14)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• UPDATE: Due to unforeseen conditions underground, this intersection will remain closed through mid-October.
• Private utility work ongoing.
• Continued installation of underground stormwater system at MPCA Parking lot.
• Temporary signal installation.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through the duration of Phase 1.
• Watermain work continues from Mississippi to Pine Street.
• Storm sewer work at Mississippi Street; continuing work west towards L’Orient Street ending.
• Xcel Gas to begin removals of old system piping.

Next week (August 17 - 21)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• UPDATE: Due to unforeseen conditions underground, this intersection will remain closed through mid-October.
• Private utility work ongoing.
• Continued installation of underground stormwater system at MPCA Parking lot.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Private utility work ongoing.

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

University Avenue Reconstruction Project Update: July 31, 2026

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
• Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Open to through traffic.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• This area is part of Phase 2 and will commence in the upcoming months.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work ongoing nearby.

This Week (August 3 – 7)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 continues at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Sanitary Sewer installation at Lafayette continues.
• Private utility work ongoing.
• Continued installation of Watermain.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through the duration of Phase 1.
• Watermain work continuing from Mississippi to Pine Street.
• Storm sewer work at Mississippi Street; continuing work west towards L’Orient Street.
• Private utility work ongoing; gas connection at 12^th Street to be completed.

Next week (August 10 – 14)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Private utility work ongoing.
• Gas service changes from old service line to new service line.

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

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

University Avenue Reconstruction Project Update: July 24, 2026

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
• Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.

This Week (July 27 – 31)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Sanitary Sewer installation at Lafayette beginning.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Open to through traffic.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work ongoing nearby.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Watermain work continuing from Mississippi to Pine Street.
• Storm sewer work at Mississippi Street.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Next week (August 3 – 7)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued installation of Watermain.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Private utility work ongoing.

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

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 17, 2026

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
• Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.

This Week (July 20 – 24)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Sanitary Sewer installation.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Remains open through mid-summer.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work ongoing nearby.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Watermain work continuing from Mississippi to Pine Street.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Next week (July 27 – July 31)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued installation of Watermain.
• Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
• Private utility work ongoing.

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

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 10, 2026

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.
• Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.

This Week (July 13 – 17)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Watermain installation ongoing.
• Sanitary Sewer installation ongoing.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Remains open through mid-summer.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
• Watermain work starting.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Next Week (July 20 – July 24)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued installation of Watermain.
• Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Start installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
• Pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: July 2, 2026

**no work on Friday, July 3 in observance of July 4**

Temporary partial closure at North Pine Street: Utility work will occur on North Pine Street on Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7.  See traffic map above. 

• Access between Grove Street and University Avenue can occur along North Pine Street, East 13^th Street, and Olive Street.
• Access to Dog Days Daycare and Caztek Engineering will remain.

This Week (July 6 - 10)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Watermain installation ongoing.
• Sanitary Sewer installation to begin.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Remains open through mid-summer.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Next week (July 13 - 19)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued installation of Watermain.
• Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Start installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
• Pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

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

University Avenue Reconstruction Construction Update: June 26th, 2026

**no work on Friday, July 3  in observance of July 4**

This week (June 29 – July 3)

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.

• Safety reminder: please adhere to driving and pedestrian detour signage.

University Avenue Reconstruction: Pine Street Closure on 7/1 and 7/2

Temporary partial closure at North Pine Street: Utility work will occur on North Pine Street on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2.  See traffic map above for impacts and detours.

• Access between Grove Street and University Avenue can occur along North Pine Street, East 13th Street, and Olive Street.
• Access to Dog Days Daycare and Caztek Engineering will remain.

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Watermain installation ongoing.
• Sanitary sewer installation to begin.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Remains open through mid-summer.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Printable Map

Next week (July 6 – July 10)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued installation of watermain.
• Continued installation of sanitary sewer.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Start installation of sanitary near University Avenue and Mississippi Street.
• Pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

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

June 18, 2026 Construction Update

This week (June 22 - 26):

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to through access.
• Watermain installation to begin.
• Sanitary Sewer installation to begin.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Remains open through mid-summer.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Next week (June 30 – July 3)

**No work on Friday, July 3 in observance of July 4**

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued installation of Watermain.
• Continued installation of Sanitary Sewer.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

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

June 12, 2026 Construction Update

This week (June 15 - 19):

Construction Hours:

• Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Phase 1 will continue at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to thru access.
• Pipe removals continue.
• Pipe installation to begin after completion of removals.
• Private utility work ongoing.

University Avenue between North Pine and North John Streets:

• Remains open through mid-summer.
  • Vehicle access to remain for businesses.
  • Pedestrian access to remain.
• 4-way stop installation for traffic control.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street:

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and North John Streets through mid-summer.
• Pavement and pipe removals will continue.
• Private utility work is ongoing.

Next week (June 22 - 26)

University Avenue and Lafayette Road

• Continued removals of pavement and pipes.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• Please avoid using private business property as a shortcut. It is not a through-route for public traffic, and doing so can disrupt operations and create safety concerns. Thank you for using designated routes.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage. 

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

University Avenue Reconstruction Begins June 8, 2026

Northbound Lafayette Road is scheduled to be closed at University Avenue starting June 3 for Xcel Energy work

City's construction project scheduled to start June 8, 2026!

• Work hours planned Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
• Phase 1 will continue through mid-summer.

Printable Detour Map

University Avenue and Lafayette Road - Closed to Thru Traffic Starting June 8

• Phase 1 will start at the intersection of Lafayette Road and University Avenue.
  • This intersection will be closed to thru access.
  • University Avenue will be closed between east of North John Street thru the Lafayette Road intersection. 
• Pavement and pipe removals will begin June 8.
• Private utility work is ongoing.

University Avenue between L’Orient Street and North Pine Street - Closed to Thru Traffic Starting June 8

• Phase 1 will close University Avenue between L’Orient and just to the west of North Pine Streets through mid-summer.
• Pavement and pipe removals will begin the week of June 8.
• Private utility work ongoing.

Local and business access

• Local and business access remains open via Olive and North Pine Streets.
• University Avenue will remain open between North Pine and North John Streets.

Pedestrian access during construction

• Pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along University Avenue. Pedestrian access will change as crews work in the area.
• When work occurs in intersections, there will always be one north/south and one east/west crossing available.

Bus Stops

• For more information, see Metro Transit's webpage.

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

The City's University Avenue Reconstruction Project Begins June 8

University Avenue Construction Update: November 10, 2025

Updated design documents and project webpage

New project design documents and additional information can now be found on the University Avenue Reconstruction project webpage.

The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road in 2026. The project includes improved curbs and pedestrian ramps, sidewalk updates, new road surface, more trees, shared use walk/bike path, and new street lighting. Refer to the graphic above that shows the planned improvements.

Additional information about road closures and detours will be shared in similar project update emails before construction begins in Spring 2026.

Nearby Work

The Lafayette Road bridge between University Avenue and Otsego Street will be closed starting October 29, 2025, for bridge rehabilitation work. The bridge will be fully closed to all traffic for approximately 30 days and is scheduled to reopen to traffic at the end of November 2025.

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Traffic Detours: 

• Lafayette Road will be closed from University Avenue to Otsego Street.
• During the closure, traffic will be rerouted via Payne Street to 7th Street to Lafayette Road.
• Please follow detour signs for posted alternative route and allow for additional travel time. 

Lafayette Bridge Work is Complete

The Lafayette Road bridge between University Avenue and Otsego Street is reopen to traffic. Buffer-separated bike lanes have been added to the north and south side of the bridge.

Updated design documents and project webpage

New project design documents and additional information can now be found on the University Avenue Reconstruction project webpage.

The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct University Avenue from I-35E to Lafayette Road in 2026. The project includes improved curbs and pedestrian ramps, sidewalk updates, new road surface, more trees, shared use walk/bike path, and new street lighting. Refer to the graphic above that shows the planned improvements.

Additional information about road closures and detours will be shared in similar project update emails before construction begins in Spring 2026.

• Original 60% Layout
• Updated 60% Layout
• 90% Layout

• University Avenue Community Meeting Letter - May 2026
• Property owner assessment notification letter - March 27, 2025
• Open House notification - February 2025
• Property notification letter - July 2024

• Project map
• June 2026 Phase 1 Detour Map

• Project Boards
• February Open House Flyer

University Avenue Stakeholder Meeting - May 2026