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 

  • Fall 2022: Community engagement started
  • 2023-2025: Utility work
  • 2025: Construction
  • 2026: Final construction
Tags

    Friday, November 21, Robert Street will reopen to traffic between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard by end of day.

    6th Street intersection with Robert Street will also reopen to traffic by end of day, November 21.

    • Robert Street and all intersections will be open to through traffic by end of day Friday, November 21.
    • Intersections will have four way stops until traffic signals are installed in December.
    • Traffic signals are scheduled to be installed through late December.

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


    Downtown Saint Paul Road Closures and Lane Restrictions Map, Updated November 21, 2025

    Map showing road closures and lane restrictions in downtown Saint Paul November 21, 2025

    Area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, November 21, 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

    • 5th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Cedar streets for Osborn Plaza construction from November 10, 2025 to September 2026. For more information visit the Osborn Plaza Improvements webpage.
    • 6th Street:
      • Intersection with Robert Street will reopen by end of the day, November 21.
      • Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Minnesota streets.
    • Broadway Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street.
    • Kellogg Boulevard:
      • December 1-5, westbound lanes closed between Broadway Street and Wacouta Street for Saint Paul Regional Water Services work.
      • Westbound lanes closed between Wabasha Street and Washington Street. Eastbound only between Wabasha Street and Washington Street.
      • One eastbound lane closed between Wabash and Washington streets for Xcel Energy work.
      • One eastbound lane remains open between Wabasha and Washington streets.
      • Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027. Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard. For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit: stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
        • November 24-26, Upper Commercial Street will be closed for bridge pier construction. To access Wakan Tipi and businesses, use 4th Street.
    • Robert Street:
      • Reopens to traffic by end of day, November 21.
    • St Peter Street:
      • Lane restrictions between 7th Place and 6th Street.
    • Wacouta Street:
      • Lane restrictions between 5th and 4th streets.
    • Wall Street:
      • Closed between 4th Street and Kellogg Boulevard from November 10 to December 13 for private building roof project.

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

    Help protect the new Robert Street roads and sidewalks this winter!

    Salt harms new concrete.
    Try sand or grit instead.

    Thank you for your collaboration during the Robert Street reconstruction project. We are excited to reopen the road and sidewalks again in late November.

    To ensure long-lasting, durable concrete, please do not use salt or ice melt on newly poured sidewalks and roads this winter. Your participation is important to the quality and longevity of the concrete surfaces.

    Why skip the salt?

    • New concrete is weakest during its first year.
    • Salt accelerates the freeze/thaw cycle that could result in chipping or cracking of the concrete.
    • Sand or grit (sold as chicken, poultry, or cherry stone grit) is a great alternative for increasing traction on icy surfaces.

    Printable flyer on not using salt on new concrete

    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

    Project Documents

    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.