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Description
The City of Saint Paul will reconstruct Earl Street between Maryland Avenue and Burns Avenue in 2026 and 2027. Phase 1 - Earl Street from Maryland Avenue to

Map showing the Earl Street project area

 Minnehaha Avenue will be constructed in 2026 and Phase 2 - Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue will be constructed in 2027.

This is a full reconstruction, meaning it will completely rebuild the road. It will include work on water and sewer, land grading, adding curbs and gutters, improving drainage, paving the street, installing signs and lights, landscaping, and improving the sidewalks and bikeway connections.

Project Goals:

  • Improve the pavement quality and repair the damaged street.
  • Create safer travel for people walking, rolling, biking, and driving along Earl Street.
  • Improve drainage and green storm-water treatments.
  • Preserve mature boulevard trees wherever possible.

Improvements to Earl Street:

  • Repaired two-lane street
  • Repaired sidewalk on both sides of the street
  • New bike facilities
  • New lighting
  • New signs and street striping
  • Improved sewer and water connections

Construction Information

  • The City Council will request bids and select a contractor in Spring 2026. The contractor will determine the order of work being done, whether it starts at the north end, the south, etc. The contractor is responsible for notifying property owners of any planned or unplanned impacts to property, including potential water shutoffs. 
  • You will always have access to your property. Detour information will be provided on the project website prior to construction.
  • General project questions can be directed to Project Manager, Don Pflaum.
  • For questions related to specific construction activities, reach out to the contractor. You will be given contact information once a contractor is selected.

Location
Phase 1 - Earl Street from Maryland Avenue to Minnehaha Avenue
Phase 2 - Earl Street from Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue

Timeline
The project is currently in the final design stage of Phase 1. Construction on Phase 1 will begin in Spring 2026 and continue through the rest of the year.

  • Summer 2025: Phase 1 Preliminary Design
    • Parking Study
    • Concept Design
    • Community Engagement
  • Summer 2025 - Winter 2025/26: Phase 1 Final Design
    • Roadway Design
    • Utility Coordination
    • Community Engagement
  • Spring 2026: Phase 1 Construction of Earl Street from Maryland Avenue to Minnehaha Avenue begins
  • Summer 2026: Phase 2 Design work begins. Final details have not yet been determined.
  • Spring 2027: Phase 2 Construction of Earl Street from Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue

Stay Engaged
Open houses were held throughout the duration of the project. To review the Engagement Materials presented at each event and summaries of what we heard, please visit the Project Documents section of this page.
 

Tags

Earl Street Reconstruction Phase 1 Project Update: October 2, 2026

Work This Week (September 28 - October 2):

  • Working on removal and installation of sanitary sewer from Sims Avenue to Cook Avenue, working north.
  • Working on earthwork for the roadway between Maryland Avenue and Cook Avenue.
  • Actively working on private utilities.

Work Next Week (October 5 - 9):

  • Finishing removal and installation of sanitary sewer from Sims Avenue to Cook Avenue, working north.
  • Starting removal and installation of watermain from York Avenue to Cook Avenue, working north.
  • Finishing earthwork for the roadway between Maryland Avenue and Cook Avenue.
  • Starting to pour curb and gutter on eastern side between Maryland Avenue and Cook Avenue.
  • Continue working on private utilities.

Safety Topic:

  • Pedestrians have access along Earl Street and crossings at Geranium Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Lawson Avenue, and Jenks Avenue.
  • Earl Street closed to traffic from Maryland Avenue to York Avenue.

All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting.

Eastside Access Map

Eastside Access Map 8/14/26

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

Nearby Construction Projects

Payne Avenue Construction
The City of Saint Paul will make pedestrian intersection improvements on Payne Avenue to make intersections more accessible for pedestrians. This includes the construction of updated pedestrian ramps, bumpouts (curb extensions), and pedestrian medians. 
Payne Avenue Pedestrian Intersection Improvements | Saint Paul Minnesota

MnDOT East 7th Street and Arcade Street Construction
MnDOT crews will remove and replace existing sidewalks, roadway surfaces, traffic signals, and bus stops throughout the project area. Utility work (water, electrical, gas, etc.) will occur intermittently throughout all parts of the project area, not just where road construction is happening.
East 7th St. and Arcade St. in St. Paul and Maplewood project - MnDOT

SPRWS Lead Service Line Replacement: Edgerton Street, Payne Avenue, and Nearby Residential Streets
Saint Paul Regional Water Services will be replacing lead service lines located along Edgerton Avenue, Payne Avenue, and nearby residential streets. Visit the SPRWS project map for additional location information: SPRWS Project Map

Ramsey County Construction Projects
Ramsey County is working to reconstruct Maryland Avenue from Clark to Edgerton Street. The project entails the replacement of the existing pavement, enhancements to drainage systems, and the upgrading of pedestrian facilities. 
Maryland Avenue Reconstruction | Ramsey County, Minnesota

Ramsey County will resurface (mill & overlay) Edgerton Street in 2026 as part of their county-wide street maintenance work. 
Road Resurfacing | Ramsey County, Minnesota

Project Updates

FAQs

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.

Project Documents