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

    9th Street and Robert Intersection Closed through early October

    • The 9th Street and Robert Street intersection is closed to thru traffic for construction activities. The intersection is scheduled to open in early October.
    • To access businesses and parking lots on the east side of Robert Street, use Jackson Street.
    • To access businesses and parking lots on the west side of Robert Street, use Minnesota Street.
    • The following intersections are open across Robert Street: 5th Street, 7th Street, 10th Street, 11th Street with some lane restrictions.
    • The following intersections are closed at Robert Street: 4th Street, 6th Street, 7th Place, 9th Street.

    6th Street and Robert Street intersection & 7th Place and Robert Street intersection remain closed through October

    Printable flyer for 6th Street & Robert Street Closure

    Printable flyer for 7th Place and Robert Street Closure

    6th Street Detour Route
    • For 6th Street traffic (westbound):
      • Jackson Street to Kellogg Boulevard to Minnesota Street to 6th Street
      • Sibley Street to West 7th Street to Cedar Street to 6th Street
    • Westbound drivers can use 7th Street and Kellogg Boulevard to cross Robert Street
    Map showing the detour for the closure of the 6th Street and Robert Street intersection in downtown Saint Paul.
    7th Place Local Access Only from Minnesota and Jackson Streets
    Map showing local access route on 7th Place from Minnesota and Jackson Streets during 7th Place and Robert Street intersection closure starting August 11, 2025
    • Robert Street closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard
    • 9th Street, 7th Place, 6th Street, and 4th Street intersections with Robert Street are closed 
    • 11th, 10th, 7th, and 5th street intersections and Kellogg Boulevard open across Robert Street with some lane restrictions

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

    Robert Street Detour Map (updated September 5, 2025)

    Map showing detour for Robert Street - northbound use Kellogg, Minnesota, 7th, Jackson, and 12th; southbound use 11th, Jackson, and Kellogg

    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 September 12, 2025

    Map showing road closures and lane restriction in downtown Saint Paul September 12, 2025

    Area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, September 12, 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:
      • Intersection with Robert Street closed.
      • Closed between Minnesota and Jackson streets.
    • 5th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Washington and Market streets and between Cedar and Robert streets.
    • 6th Street:
      • Intersection with Robert Street closed.
      • Closed between Jackson and Minnesota streets.
      • Lane restrictions between Minnesota and Wabasha streets.
    • 7th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Cedar and Jackson streets.
      • Local business traffic only between Grand Avenue/Ramsey Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
    • 7th Place:
      • Intersection with Robert Street closed.
      • Local access only from Minnesota and Jackson streets.
    • Kellogg Boulevard:
      • Westbound lanes closed between Wabasha Street and Washington Street. Eastbound only between Wabasha Street and Washington Street
      • 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.
    • Minnesota Street:
      • Open to traffic.
      • Some lane restrictions between 5th Street and 7th Place and between 11th and 7th streets.
    • Robert Street:
      • Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
      • Intersection closures at 9th, 6th, and 4th streets, and 7th Place.
      • Intersection restrictions at 11th, 7th, and 5th streets.
    • St Peter Street:
      • Lane restrictions north of the 6th Street intersection.
    • Wacouta Street:
      • Lane restrictions between 5th and 4th streets and between 6th and 7th 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

    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.