Description
The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct eight blocks of Robert Street in downtown Saint Paul, from I-94 to Kellogg Boulevard. Reconstruction is needed to repair and replace sidewalks, pavement, and utilities. Improvements include all new:

  • Sidewalks, boulevards, and trees
  • Curb, gutters, and storm water systems
  • Pavement and lane markings
  • Traffic signals and signage
  • Underground utilities

Location
Robert Street from Kellogg Boulevard to I-94 in downtown. 

Timeline 
Community engagement started in fall 2022. Utility work started in 2023 and will continue until road construction begins in 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin spring 2025 and continue through 2026.

Timeline for Robert Street reconstruction project
Tags

    Robert Street closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard

    • 4th and 10th street intersections with Robert Street are closed 

    • Other cross streets are open across Robert Street

    The weeks of July 28 and August 4

    Robert Street is closed to through traffic between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard, local property access will continue to be provided.

    • Northbound traffic will continue to be detoured using Kellogg Boulevard, Minnesota Street, 7th Street, Jackson Street, and 12th Street.
    • Southbound traffic will continue to be detoured using 11th Street, Jackson Street, and Kellogg Boulevard.
    • Most intersections will remain open to east/west traffic, but some intersections will be restricted to one lane in each direction for two-way traffic, or a single lane for one-way traffic.
    • The 10th and 4th Street intersections are closed at Robert Street. Use an adjacent road to cross Robert Street.
    • Restrictions at 9th Street, 7th Street, 7th Place, 6th Street, and 5th Street intersections.
    • Week of July 28, 11th Street will be opened to two lanes of traffic with stop signs.
      • Intersection restrictions will occur throughout the duration of the project.

    Activities

    • Robert Street and 11th Street intersection:
      • Sidewalk work is complete.
    • Robert Street between 11th and 10th streets:
      • Concrete curb and paving is complete.
      • G Line platform work continues.
      • Sidewalk work continues at the 10th Street intersection.
    • Robert Street between 10th and 9th streets:
      • Concrete paving and curb and gutter installation extends to north half of 9th  Street intersection.
      • Sidewalk work will continue.
    • Robert Street between 9th and 7th streets:
      • Curb and gutter work will begin.
      • Utility work continues at the 7th Street intersection.
    • Robert Street between 7th Street and 7th Place:
      • Watermain and sanitary sewer work to be completed.
      • Remaining existing pavement to be removed.
    • Robert Street between 6th and 5th streets:
      • Utility work continues through August.
      • Concrete paving is scheduled to begin in September.
    • Robert Street between 5th Street and Kellogg Boulevard:
      • West side sidewalk between Kellogg and 4th Street is complete.
      • Storm drainage chamber installation on east side.

    Local and business access

    • Access to local businesses is being maintained.
    • Please follow signed detour routes.

    Pedestrian Access

    • Pedestrian access to properties on Robert Street is being maintained.
    • Please follow signed pedestrian routes when walking or rolling near work zones. 

    Bus Stops

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

    Robert Street Detour Map

    Map showing detour route for Robert Street closure May 30, 2025

    General Progression of Construction

    • Removal of roadway pavement
    • Underground storm sewer work (pipes and catch basins)
    • Underground traffic signal, streetlighting and electrical conduit work
    • Concrete curb and gutter construction
    • Concrete roadway construction
    • Work behind curbs (generally follows roadway pavement construction)
      • New sidewalks poured/brick pavers installed
      • Install pedestrian ramps
      • Transit platforms
      • Tree pockets and landscape foundations
      • Signal poles, light poles, signs

    Downtown Saint Paul Road Closures and Lane Restrictions Map, Updated July 25, 2025

    Map showing road closures and lane restrictions in downtown Saint Paul July 25, 2025

    Area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, July 25, 2025

    Construction is happening throughout downtown. Plan accordingly and expect delays. Please follow all posted signs. Road and lane closures will change as construction continues.

    For more information on road closures in Saint Paul, visit www.stpaul.gov/roadclosures

    • 4th Street:
      • Road closed between Minnesota and Sibley streets.
      • Intersection with Robert Street closed.
    • 5th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Washington and Market streets and between Cedar and Robert streets.
    • 6th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Jackson streets.
    • 7th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Cedar and Jackson streets.
      • Closed between Walnut and Chestnut streets.
      • Local business traffic only between Grand Avenue/Ramsey Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
    • 9th Street:
      • Closed between Sibley and Wacouta streets for sewer work.
    • 10th Street:
      • Intersection with Robert Street closed.
    • Kellogg Boulevard:
      • Lane restrictions just west of the Washington Street intersection.
      • Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027.
      • Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard.
      • Access to parking lots and businesses is being maintained.
      • For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit: stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
    • Minnesota Street:
      • Southbound one way between 11th and 10th streets for local business and property access.
      • Closed between 10th and 7th streets.
    • Robert Street:
      • Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
      • Intersection closures at 10th and 4th streets.
      • Intersection restrictions at 11th, 9th, 7th, 6th, 5th streets, and 7th Place.
    • Robert Street at Pedro Park:
    • St Peter Street:
      • Lane restrictions north of the 6th Street intersection.
    • Wacouta Street:
      • Lane restrictions between 10th and 9th streets.

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

    Design Option B (2 vehicle lanes with a center turn lane) Selected for Robert Street

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 3 design options for Robert Street based on the first phase of public engagement. 

    Based on public input, Design Option B was selected by the City.

    Design Option B is 2 vehicle lanes with a center turn lane. The design features wider sidewalks, bumpouts at intersections, in-lane Bus Rapid Transit stations, left turn lanes for multimodal safety, retains on-street parking at key nodes, accommodates green infrastructure to improve water quality, and provides critical loading zones.

    View the Concept Design Memo for details on how Design Option B was selected and examples of how a typical block on Robert Street will look.

    Graphic showing the path from public input to the 3 design options for Robert Street to the decision to go with Design Option B for Robert Street

    Project Goals

    The reconstruction of Robert Street presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve the City’s vision of what a modern downtown corridor can be: safe, livable, inviting, active, a center of regional economic activity – and equitable for all. The following project goals will guide this reconstruction project.

    • Create a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone
    • Improve mobility for all modes of travel
    • Support efficient and reliable transit service through downtown
    • Create an accessible and safe environment for people who walk and roll
    • Enhance street-level commerce
    • Facilitate a community engagement process that addresses the needs of all stakeholders
    • Improve and replace aging roads, sidewalks, and utilities in 2025 and 2026

    Project Updates - 2025

    Project Updates - 2024

    Upcoming public hearing scheduled for June 12

    The City of Saint Paul is holding a public hearing for the Robert Street Reconstruction (11th Street to Kellogg Boulevard) project assessment, during the city council meeting next week.

    Property owners, tenants, and others are invited to attend the hearing to provide comments on the estimated assessment rate. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may also provide comments via email, written letter, or voice mail to the contact information listed on your letter. A sample copy of the letter is in project documents below.

    For more information about the assessment, or to see if you are being assessed, please call 651-266-8858 with the parcel ID/address listed in your letter. All property owners were mailed a notification letter with the hearing information and the estimated assessment details from the Office of Financial Services in May 2024. 

    Public Hearing details

    When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

    Where: City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall – Court House

      15 W Kellogg Blvd

      St. Paul, MN 55102

    Information about testifying, including via telephone, is available on the Council’s website or on the Council’s agenda at www.stpaul.legistar.com.