Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: August 28, 2026

Please note: In order to streamline resident comments, concerns, and feedback, please send messages to publicworksinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us or call 651-266-6100.

Traffic Impacts

• Construction work hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. Workers may be on-site and working up until 7 p.m. on a given day. Weekend work may also occur through the remaining construction season.
• Intermittent closures of St Anthony Avenue and Doane Avenue will occur when sewer and water work is occurring. Closures will not occur simultaneously.
• Pelham Boulvevard is still closed. 
• Mississippi River Boulevard is closed and is being used for trucking materials in and out, so please be mindful when in the area.
• Current detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours are posted according to the above detour routes. These may change throughout the project and signs will be adjusted. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 
   
  • Pedestrians and cyclists are to follow detours posted at St Anthony Avenue and Mississippi River Boulevard as Pelham Boulevard is CLOSED to all cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.

This Week (August 24 - 28)

• Sanitary sewer work was completed through the Intersection of Doane Avenue and from I-94 to Wabash Avenue.
  • Remaining sanitary service repairs will be completed early next week.
• Water main installation from Beverly Road to Doane Avenue was completed through the intersection of Doane Avenue.
• The road has been graded out from Mississippi River Boulevard to Otis Avenue and from Otis Avenue to Beverly Road.
  • There is a section that still needs to be graded between Otis Avenue and Beverly Road following storm sewer work, which will happen early next week.
• Sidewalk placement has begun on the east side of Pelham Boulevard between Mississippi River Boulevard and Beverly Road. Boulevard restoration has started where applicable, adjacent to the sidewalk.

Next Week (August 31 - September 4)

• Storm sewer work between Beverly Road and Doane Avenue will begin.
• Sanitary service repairs and some sanitary manhole replacements will be done between Doane Avenue and St Anthony Avenue.
• Water main installation up to St Anthony Avenue will be completed.
• Curb and gutter will be placed from Mississippi River Boulevard to Desnoyer Avenue in the early part of the week.
• Some sewer work will tentatively begin between Wabash Avenue to Myrtle Street.

Construction Communications

• In order to streamline resident comments, concerns, and feedback, please send messages to publicworksinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• Project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Since June 24, project staff continue to host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

• Vibration Monitoring

  • On Friday, August 21, Saint Paul Public Works had three vibration monitoring devices installed along the project corridor.
    • The reconstruction work happening on Pelham Boulevard aligns with typical construction activities across the city.
    • Vibration monitoring is not a standard part of most construction projects; however, the city is adding monitoring due to some resident concerns.

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

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: August 21, 2026

Vibration Monitoring

• On Friday, August 21, Saint Paul Public Works had three vibration monitoring devices installed along the project corridor.
  • The reconstruction work happening on Pelham Boulevard aligns with typical construction activities across the city.
  • Vibration monitoring is not a standard part of most construction projects; however, the city is adding monitoring due to some resident concerns.

Please note: In order to streamline resident comments, concerns, and feedback, please send messages to publicworksinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us or call 651-266-6100.

Traffic Impacts

• Construction work hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. Workers may be on-site and working up until 7 p.m. on a given day.
• Pelham Boulvevard is still closed. Pelham will be closed between Wabash Ave and Franklin early in the week for pavement removals.
• Mississippi River Boulevard is closed and is being used for trucking materials in and out, so please be mindful when in the area.
• Current detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the above detour routes. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 
  • Cyclists also need to follow the appropriate detour routes. Pelham Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic and should not be used as a bike route. 
  • Pedestrians and cyclists are to follow detours posted at St Anthony Avenue and Mississippi River Boulevard as Pelham Boulevard is CLOSED.

This Week (August 17 - 21)

• Pavement removals were completed from Mississippi Boulevard to St Anthony Avenue.
• Sewer work has continued from Desnoyer Avenue through the intersection of Beverly Road.
• Sidewalk pouring began from Beverly Road to Otis Avenue on the east side of Pelham Boulevard.
• Sidewalk grading has started on the east side of Pelham Boulevard from St Anthony Avenue to Beverly Road.
• Water work is through the intersection of Beverly Road.
• The road has been graded from Mississippi River Boulevard to just south of Desnoyer Avenue.
• Pavement removal from the I-94 bridge to Wabash Avenue were completed and removals from Wabash Avenue to Franklin Avenue started.

Next Week (August 24 - 28)

• Sewer work and watermain replacement will continue heading north from Beverly Rd to Doane Avenue.
• Remaining sewer work from Desnoyer Avenue to Beverly Road will finish early in the week.
• Sewer work on the north side of the I-94 bridge to Wabash Avenue will start and when completed, work from Wabash Avenue to Myrtle Street will begin.
• Pavement removal from Wabash Avenue to Myrtle Street will start next Monday.
• Sidewalk will continue to be placed on the east side of Pelham Boulevard from Beverly Road to Otis Avenue in various locations.

Construction Communications

• In order to streamline resident comments, concerns, and feedback, please send messages to publicworksinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• Project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Since June 24, project staff continue to host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.
  • This week during office hours, staff spoke with residents concerned about vibration monitoring. Monitors have been placed at various locations along the project corridor.

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

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: August 14, 2026

Traffic Impacts

• Pelham Boulvevard is still closed.
• Otis Avenue will be the most consistent option for traffic while grading work is completed.
• There will be intermittent closures at Beverly Road, Doane Avenue and possibly St. Anthony Avenue throughout the week to complete sewer work through the intersections.
  • Only one closure will occur at a time.
• Mississippi River Boulevard is closed and is being used for trucking materials in and out, so please be mindful when in the area.
• Detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 
  • Cyclists also need to follow the appropriate detour routes. Pelham Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic and should not be used as a bike route. 

This Week (August 10 - 14)

• Road grading began from Mississippi River Boulevard to Otis Avenue and the intersection of Otis Avenue.
• Sewer work has continued from Otis Avenue to Beverly Road. 

Next Week (August 17 - 21)

• Storm sewer work from Otis Avenue to Beverly Road will be finished early in the week and sanitary work from Beverly Road to St. Anthony Avenue will start. 
• The road will be graded from Otis Avenue to Beverly Road.

Construction Communications

• Project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: August 7, 2026

Traffic Impacts

• Pelham Boulvevard is still closed.
• The intersections of Beverly Road and St Anthony Avenue will be closed when removals occur. They will not be closed at the same time.
• Otis Avenue will be closed the morning of Saturday, August 8 for storm sewer work. It is currently scheduled to reopen later that afternoon.
• The contractor may open Beverly Road, Doane Avenue, or St Anthony Avenue on Saturday August 8, schedule permitting.
• Mississippi River Boulevard is closed and is being used for trucking materials in and out, so please be mindful when in the area.
• Detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 
  • Cyclists also need to follow the appropriate detour routes. Pelham Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic and should not be used as a bike route. 

This Week (August 3 - 7)

• Sewer work between Mississippi River Boulevard (MRB) and Otis Avenue was completed as well as water work.
• Both sanitary and storm sewer work will continue from Otis Avenue to Desnoyer Avenue. 

Next Week (August 10 - 14)

• From MRB to Otis Avenue the road will be cut and graded to get ready for curb and gutter.
• Sanitary, Storm sewer and water work will continue from Otis Avenue to Beverly Road. Some storm sewer work in the intersection of Otis Avenue will be completed as well.
• Removals at Beverly Road will begin and will continue north to St. Anthony Avenue.

Construction Communications

• Project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: July 31, 2026

Traffic Impacts

• The intersection of Otis Avenue and Pelham Boulevard may still be closed for intermittent work at the contractor's discretion.
• Pelham Boulevard remains closed to thru traffic between Mississippi River Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.
• Mississippi River Boulevard is closed at Pelham Boulevard.
• Detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 
  • Cyclists also need to follow the appropriate detour routes. Pelham Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic and should not be used as a bike route. 

This Week (July 27- 31)

• Storm Sewer between Mississippi River Boulevard and Otis Avenue is complete.
• Sanitary Sewer main and services between Mississippi River Boulevard and Otis Avenue are complete.
• Water main between Mississippi River Boulevard and Otis Avenue is complete.

Next Week (August 3-7)

• Water service will be complete to Otis Avenue.
• Sanitary, storm sewer, and water main between Otis Avenue and Desnoyer Avenue will continue.
• There are still some utility works remaining on Otis Avenue so intermittent closures may occur.
• Grading for the roadway between Mississippi River Boulevard and Otis Avenue will begin.  This entails a large cut of the slope by Mississippi River Blvd so please avoid the area.  Pedestrian access may be routed down Otis Avenue.

Construction Communications

• Project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

Traffic Impacts

• The intersection of Otis Avenue and Pelham Boulevard may be closed July 27 -28 for sanitary sewer work at the contractor's discretion.
• Pelham Boulevard remains closed to thru traffic between Mississippi River Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.
• Mississippi River Boulevard is closed at Pelham Boulevard.
• Detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 
  • Cyclists also need to follow the appropriate detour routes. Pelham Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic and should not be used as a bike route. 

This Week (July 20 - 24)

• Sanitary sewer work continued and the last of the private sanitary service repairs on Pelham Boulevard between Mississippi River Boulevard and Otis Avenue were completed.
• Water main installation began on July 21 and will continue into the early half of next week.

Next Week (July 27- 31)

• Water main testing will be done Monday, July 27 with house connections between Mississippi River Boulevard and Otis Avenue beginning as soon as Wednesday, July 29.
• Sanitary sewer work from Otis Avenue to Desnoyer Avenue will begin.
• Storm Sewer work will begin from Mississippi River Boulevard to Otis Avenue.

Construction Communications

• Project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: July 10, 2026

Vandalia Bridge Work
 

Public Works crews completed skimming work along Vandalia Street on June 26, 2026. During this maintenance work, crews discovered an area that requires additional repairs along the bridge.

The City is now evaluating repair options. Out of an abundance of caution, bridge traffic is temporarily restricted to one lane in each direction until the repairs are completed. A timeline for repairs has not yet been determined.

Traffic Impacts

• The intersection of Otis Avenue and Pelham Boulevard will be closed to all directions of traffic on 7/10.
• Desnoyer Avenue will also be closed at Pelham Boulevard starting 7/10 until further notice.
  • Traffic should use Beverly Road, Doane Avenue, and St. Anthony Avenue at this time to cross Pelham Boulevard.
• Pelham Boulevard remains closed to thru traffic between Mississippi River Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.
• Mississippi River Boulevard will be closed at Pelham Boulevard.
• Detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Homes on Pelham Boulevard between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue will continue to have access but expect disruption and exercise caution when navigating active site.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 

This week (July 6 – July 10)

• Removals on Pelham Boulevard from Mississippi River Boulevard to Beverly Road have started.

• Removals on Mississippi River Boulevard have started.

•  Removals will stop at Beverly Road as of 7/10.

Next week (July 13 – July 17)

• Sanitary sewer work will begin, starting at the intersection of Mississippi River Boulevard and will continue working northbound towards Otis Ave to Beverly Road.

Construction Communications

• New project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction Project Update: July 2, 2026

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

Vandalia Bridge Work

Public Works crews completed skimming work along Vandalia Street on June 26, 2026. During this maintenance work, crews discovered an area that requires additional repairs along the bridge.

The City is now evaluating repair options. Out of an abundance of caution, bridge traffic is temporarily restricted to one lane in each direction until the repairs are completed. A timeline for repairs has not yet been determined.

Traffic Impacts

• Pelham Boulevard remains closed to thru traffic between Mississippi River Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.
• Mississippi River Boulevard will be closed at Pelham Boulevard.
• Detour is on Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue.
• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 

This week (June 29 – July 2)

• Stump grinding and tree clearing is complete.

Next week (July 6 – July 10)

• Pavement removal begins Monday, July 6 from Mississippi River Boulevard to St. Anthony Avenue.

Construction Communications

• New project contact is Tom Higbee 651-356-1569 for any day-to-day, on-site concerns.
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

Vandalia Bridge Work

Public Works crews completed skimming work along Vandalia Street on June 26, 2026. During this maintenance work, crews discovered an area that requires additional repairs along the bridge.

The City is now evaluating repair options. Out of an abundance of caution, bridge traffic is temporarily restricted to one lane in each direction until the repairs are completed. A timeline for repairs has not yet been determined.

Pelham Boulevard Construction

This week (June 22 - 26)

• Pelham Boulevard is closed to thru traffic between Mississippi River Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue
• No parking is allowed along Pelham Boulevard within the project area
• Local residents may enter the project area with caution
• East-West access remains partially open on side streets
• Utility work is ongoing
• Stump grinding occurred this week and will continue next week
• Four additional trees were removed this week due to utility conflict
• Overgrowth at St. Anthony was removed for visibility
• Temporary water service is being installed, will be active next week, and is anticipated to remain in place for a few weeks

Next week (June 29 - July 3)

• Asphalt removals and sawcutting
• Stump grinding continues
• No work on July 3

Traffic Impacts

• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 

Construction Communications

• The best contact for day-to-day questions and concerns is the on-site inspector, Nick Domeier 651-266-6124
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

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

June 16, 2026 Project Updates

• Pelham Boulevard will be closed to through traffic between Franklin Avenue and Mississippi River Boulevard (MRB) beginning June 16.
• Property owner access will be accommodated throughout the project. You will be able to access your property on Pelham Boulevard.  When access cannot be maintained, we will work with you on timing to minimize disruption.
• Access across Pelham at side streets will be maintained but expect intermittent closures when work is occurring in the intersection.  
• Construction will begin at MRB and progress north to Franklin Avenue. 
• Full street closure of Pelham will be in effect even if it appears no work is happening on a block for safety reason and to deter non-local traffic.
• Temporary water is scheduled for beginning of July. Saint Paul Regional Water Services will need access to your water meter within your home for the switchover. You can schedule an appointment with them once notice for that work goes out if you cannot be available.

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

Traffic Impacts

• Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.
• Bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour routes below. These may change throughout the project. Please travel safely through the construction zone. Printable maps are available at stpaul.gov/pelham 

Construction Communications

• The best contact for day-to-day questions and concerns is the on-site inspector, Nick Domeier 651-266-6124
• Updates will be provided weekly on Friday to inform you of progress and expectation for following week.
• Project staff will host in-person meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning June 24. Attendance is not mandatory and project staff will continue to answer questions via phone or email throughout the duration of construction.

When will assessment information be shared with the public? Which properties will be assessed?

Initial assessment estimates were sent to property owners following the December 17, 2025 City Council meeting. City Council adopted a Final Order Resolution for Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction at their January 28, 2026 Council meeting. Project staff are currently continuing the project design of Pelham.

Only properties that have frontage on Pelham will receive assessments. The city is allowed to collect a maximum of 25 percent of the project cost from assessments. The actual assessed cost could be lower. For additional information on special assessments, visit stpaul.gov/specialassessments.

Do businesses get assessed like property owners?  

Yes, businesses will get assessed like other property owners. No property is exempted from assessment except the State-owned property at the freeway. At this time, there is no work on the bridge that requires the State’s cost participation. Any future work on the Pelham bridge over 94 would be paid for by the State.   

Are costs of the bikeway included in the assessments?

Yes, the bikeway cost will be included in the overall project cost, and the assessment to properties on Pelham will include the cost of the bikeway.  The cost of construction materials for the bikeway are negligible, relative to the overall cost of the project.

Are sidewalk improvements to side streets included in assessments?

Yes. Sidewalk work on side streets will be limited, but the cost will be included in the overall project cost. Like the bikeway costs, these costs will be included in the assessment to properties on Pelham.  

Are sewer line replacement costs included in the overall project costs?

Some sewer costs are included in assessments to properties, other sewer costs are not.

When will trees get removed?

Tree trimming will be completed during the week of March 2, 2026. During this time, Pelham Boulevard will remain open, but there may be additional "No Parking" signs or other traffic controls in place. Tree trimming typically occurs up to two weeks prior to any tree removals.

Tree removal will be completed by April 15, 2026 in observation of federally protected and endangered species. Trees to be removed will be marked in advance with a painted red X on the trunk. Additional trees may need to be removed during construction. 

How are tree replacement costs covered?  

The trees removed from Pelham north of Doane in 2024 were ash trees, and were part of the citywide removal of ash due to the Emerald Ash Borer. The cost (and any related assessments) of replacing the removed trees is not known at this time. Because the reconstruction of Pelham was planned, the decision to replant these trees in 2024 was put on hold because any trees planted in 2024 were at risk of being removed during the 2026 reconstruction. Had the trees been planted in 2024, the 2026 Pelham reconstruction would have paid for replacement and properties would have been assessed for that work.

Where will new trees get planted in the project area?

At locations where trees are removed along Pelham during construction, trees will be replanted. North of 94, trees will be located between the bikeway and the curb/street. South of 94, the plan is to prioritize the existing trees and keep the bikeway closer to the street. Because of this, trees are unlikely to be planted between the bikeway and the curb.

What is the current proposed design of Pelham?

The design will ultimately match the vision described in the Grand Round Design and Implementation Plan (2017): an off-street bikeway on the east side of Pelham, new sidewalk, improved lighting, pavement, utilities, and improved traffic and pedestrian safety. A median refuge island is planned for the intersection of Doane and Pelham.

Why is Pelham shifting 14 feet to west between Mississippi River and north of Otis?

This shift is planned to fit a sidewalk in where it is missing. There is no sidewalk on the east side of Pelham between Beverly and Mississippi River Boulevard (MRB). The City of Saint Paul has a practice of filling gaps in the sidewalk network, especially on collector and arterial streets. The reconstruction of Pelham gives the city an opportunity to fill sidewalk gaps efficiently as part of a larger project. The addition of a sidewalk between Otis and Beverly is straightforward. However, on the block between Otis and MRB, there are significant challenges with the existing slopes and grades. To fit a sidewalk in on this block, Pelham must be shifted to the west by approximately 14 feet. This shift begins between Otis and Desnoyer. 

Will any sidewalk segments be replaced during this project?  

Yes, due to the amount of work happening, it’s not likely existing sidewalk will meet ADA compliance once construction is finished. Replacing all sidewalk guarantees compliance and addresses low spots where water can pool and freeze. 

Why is a median planned for the intersection of Doane?

The addition of a median pedestrian refuge at Doane is planned to improve safety for people crossing at Desonyer Park. The city often constructs median refuge islands at locations where a higher number of pedestrians are expected. A median brings attention to the crossing, allows people walking to cross in two stages, and limits conflicts between people walking and driving by eliminating some vehicle movements (left turns and straight movements across Pelham at Doane). 

Have raised pedestrian crosswalks or other pedestrian safety measures been considered in the project area?

Yes, a raised crossing was considered at Doane, but it was determined that a median refuge island offers a better safety benefit as it provides the opportunity for a two-stage pedestrian crossing, narrows the roadway for approaching vehicles at the intersection, and reduces conflicting movements.  It should be noted that raised crossings are not a typical or common treatment on roadways such as Pelham and there are limitations on where these treatments can be utilized, how they can be designed, and ultimately how effective they might be.

Why are stop signs planned where they are?

All way stop signs will be added to Beverly and St Anthony. All way stop signs will remain at Otis and Wabash. The all way stop signs at Doane will be removed. 

The decision to remove the all-way stop at Doane is based on a corridor wide review of the intersection traffic control on Pelham. This was due to requests received both prior to and during the project design process to add stop signs at Beverly and at St. Anthony.  Based on a corridor wide review it was determined that Beverly and St. Anthony better met the criteria for stop sign installation than Doane and could be justified due to their traffic characteristics.  It is noted that the installation of stop signs at Beverly and St. Anthony does result in stop sign spacing a little less than the minimum quarter mile spacing established for collector roads such as Pelham but was not deemed unreasonable given the resulting spacing and the characteristics of the cross streets. Keeping the all-way stop at Doane could not be justified due to the low volumes on Doane and the significantly closer stop sign spacing that would result.  

Stop sign compliance has been and continues to be a common safety issue and concern in the city. As a result, the City is judicious in the use and placement of stop signs to limit disrespect for these signs and to avoid creating new risks for road users.  The proposed placement of stop signs on Pelham is trying to strike the appropriate balance for the corridor and place stop signs where they best meet installation and spacing criteria. 

Why are sidewalks planned where they are?

The City of Saint Paul has a practice of adding sidewalks to both sides of the street when there is an opportunity to do so. A reconstruction of a street is the most efficient opportunity, and one that ensures sidewalks are constructed at the appropriate grades and slopes.  

Where will on-street parking be allowed?

On-street parking will not be allowed for the majority of segments of Pelham south of 94. The one exception is a four-car parking bay on the block between Otis and Mississippi River Boulevard. This small parking bay has been added for users visiting and recreating on Mississippi River Boulevard. North of 94, on-street parking will be allowed on the west side of Pelham between Wabash and Franklin. These decisions are based on parking usage data collection (see below for parking data). 

What is planned width of the bikeway?

The width of the bikeway is planned to be 10 feet along all of Pelham, between Mississippi River Boulevard and Franklin. Where space is constrained north of I-94, the 6 foot sidewalk will be adjacent to the 10 foot bikeway. 

What is the planned width of the car travel lanes?

Pelham will be reconstructed with two 11 foot travel lanes, and 1 foot gutters. At 24 feet wide, Pelham will be one of the narrowest collector streets in Saint Paul and is the same overall width as streets with 10 foot lanes and 2 foot gutters. Reducing the travel lanes to 10 feet was considered earlier in the project but was eliminated based on the overall width of the street (i.e., a street with no parking lanes). There is a concern that a 22 foot street would not function well in the winter when snow and ice piled on the curb tends to melt and encroach on the street. A 22 foot street also means catch basins (iron sewer inlet grates in the gutter) are one foot closer to the wheel path. Continued loads from vehicles driving on the catch basins cause the infrastructure to degrade faster and ultimately require maintenance and replacement sooner.  

Have traffic impacts to other roads been determined?

Staff from Public Works Traffic Engineering Division have been heavily involved with all decisions related to intersection changes and traffic safety. Staff do not expect the project to impact the traffic patterns in the area in a significant way. The planned median at Doane will result in some revised traffic patterns in the immediate vicinity of the intersection but these are anticipated to be minor given the low traffic volumes on Doane.    

Separate from this project, staff did receive an inquiry about the St. Anthony/Beverly intersection that is currently being reviewed.

Will emergency vehicles maintain access throughout the neighborhood?

City staff have shared current designs with the Saint Paul Fire Department and Emergency Services. There is no concern with emergency response with the current design, including the planned median refuge at Doane. These types of right-in-right-out medians have been built at several locations in Saint Paul (Fairview, south of Randolph, several locations along Maryland Avenue, Marshall Avenue east of Cleveland, Marshall at Dunlap). In an emergency, fire trucks are prepared to mount median refuges or briefly enter the opposite lane of traffic in order to access their destination.

Have future improvement projects (like MNDOT 94 reconstruction, Pelham bridge reconstruction - or MetCouncil expansion of Midtown bike greenway over to St Paul) been considered for their impact on Pelham Boulevard? 

Yes. Staff are closely working with MnDOT regarding future changes in the area. Currently, there is no timeline on major changes to Interstate 94 and planning does not directly impact the Pelham reconstruction. The Pelham bridge over 94 is owned by the State. Pelham project staff have been coordinating with MnDOT staff about potential improvements to improve walking and biking comfort on the bridge. The decision when and if to make improvements on the bridge will be made by MnDOT.  

Pelham project staff are also participating in the current Met Council study of the Midtown Greenway extension, which will result in concept designs that could be constructed in the future. There are no immediate plans for the Greenway extension into Saint Paul, though a future connection to Pelham would be included.

• Parking utilization maps

• Engagement Phase 1 flyer
• Property owner and resident letter, September 2024
• Flyer posted on Pelham, summer 2024
• Poster displayed at Saint Anthony Park Community Council Ice Cream Social, September 2024
• Pelham Sample Assessment/Public Hearing Notice: December 2025
• Pelham Boulevard Mailing for Assessment Notice: December 2025

• FAQ Document - December 2025
• Presentation to Desnoyer Park Improvement Association (DPIA) Board meeting - December 9, 2025
• DPIA Questions and Responses - December 9, 2025
• Presentation to Desnoyer Park Improvement Association (DPIA) Board meeting, September 5: see presentation slides at this link.
• Summary of engagement and feedback from June to October 2024
  • Staff responses to feedback received

• Sewer and Water Replacement FAQ
• Draft corridor design - August 2025. Please note that this draft design is outdated. 
• Intersection design alternatives at St Anthony, Doane, Beverly
• All open house display boards