Payne Avenue Pedestrian Intersection Improvements

Update: Construction is now anticipated to begin as soon as August 17, 2026

• The City is in the process of finalizing a contract.
• Construction is now anticipated to begin as soon as August 17, 2026.
• Construction in 2026 is anticipated to be done on Payne Avenue between Maryland Avenue and Case Avenue to coordinate with nearby construction projects and detours.
  • Case Avenue will remain open in 2026 and will not have construction. Case Avenue will continue to be the detour route for MnDOT's Arcade Street closure.
• Construction in 2027 is anticipated to be done on Payne Avenue between Case Avenue and Phalen Boulevard and include any other work not completed in 2026.
• Business and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction schedules are tentative, weather permitting, and subject to change.

Project Map and Intersection Designs

Based on community feedback and technical analysis, the City of Saint Paul is recommending bumpouts, half medians, and full medians along Payne Avenue. 

• Half Medians at Rose Avenue and Whitall Street
  • Half Medians or Pedestrian Refuse Islands give people walking or biking a place to wait when crossing and allow pedestrians to look for gaps in one direction of traffic at a time. Parking along Payne Avenue at the intersection will be reduced. 
• Full Medians at Jessamine Avenue, Lawson Avenue and York Avenue
  • Full Medians remove left turns and straight movements at the intersection which reduce serious injury crashes. Vehicles can only take right turns at the intersection. Full Medians also allow people walking or biking a place to wait when crossing and allow pedestrians to look for gaps in one direction of traffic at a time. Parking along Payne Avenue at intersections will be reduced. 
• Bumpouts at Sims Avenue, Case Avenue, Jenks Avenue, Cook Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, and Geranium Avenue
  • Bumpouts or curb extensions improve sightlines for vehicles and pedestrians, shorten crossing distances and can slow turning vehicle speeds by narrowing the roadway. They fill the space where parking is legally prohibited at intersections. 

Printable Intersection Design Map

Nearby Construction Projects

Earl Street Reconstruction
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 Minnehaha Avenue will be constructed in 2026 and Phase 2 - Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue will be constructed in 2027.
Earl Street Reconstruction | 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
Payne Phalen Lead Replacement - SPRWS

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

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): Lead Service Line Replacement 

SPRWS contactor is currently working on Payne Avenue to do pre-construction inspections. Construction is anticipated to start on Monday, April 20. Anticipate road closures and follow all posted signs.

SPRWS is replacing lead water service lines in the Payne/Phalen area at no cost to property owners.

SPRWS is contacting residents directly to coordinate lead service line replacement. In order to complete this work, staff need access to the inside of the property.

For questions about lead service line replacement, contact SPRWS Brent Marsolek at 651-266-6810 or brent.marsolek@ci.stpaul.mn.us 

More information about lead service line replacement is available at on the Lead Free webpage and by calling our hotline at 651-266-2820

More information about the lead service line work in the Payne Phalen area is available on the SPRWS Payne Phalen Lead Replacement webpage.