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

    Northbound Robert Street Lane Closure - December 15 through December 19

    Northbound Robert Street temporarily closed between Kellogg Boulevard and 11th Street starting December 15.

    Crews are ready to begin placing traffic signal poles. Temporary lane restrictions will facilitate a faster installation.

    • Robert Street open to southbound traffic only.
    • Northbound traffic detoured to Minnesota Street.
    • All intersections remain open, with restrictions.
    • Traffic restrictions expected from Monday, December 15 through Friday, December 19.

    Printable Northbound Robert Street Closure flyer with detour map to share with others.

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

    Map showing Northbound Robert Street closed to traffic December 15-19, southbound Robert open, detour on Minnesota Street

    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.