Project Details
The 2021 Downtown Sidewalk and Paving Improvement Project (Phase III) is one project with two unique project areas (purple and green) that have different Public Works Project Managers and slightly different timelines and approaches using City contractors.
Description
The Downtown Paving and Sidewalk Improvement project is in the third year of a three-year paving program to improve the condition of downtown Saint Paul streets and sidewalks. The construction work will:
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Perform a mill and overlay of downtown streets (removing the current pavement and installing new asphalt).
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Remove the brick pavers from parking lanes and sidewalks in designated areas (see map) and replace with concrete.
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Replace concrete sidewalk panels and curbs that are broken or in disrepair.
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Construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at intersections to improve pedestrian safety.
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Make additional pedestrian safety improvements at identified intersections.
Location
Various locations throughout downtown (see project map for details)
Timeline
June 2021 to November 2021
Project Updates
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mill and Overlay Work Completed
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Nov. 1-5)
- Will complete remaining restoration work when utility vaults completed.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar and the south side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Sidewalk work remaining on north side 5th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street will be completed once all utility work is completed.
- Remove all closures once work is completed.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
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PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Nov 1-5) Stage 4
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- Concrete crews poured the last of the sidewalk and mainline paving.
- Placed caulking/Silicone sealant around areaway and along builds where there’s new sidewalk.
- Finish installing brick pavers.
- Project COMPLETED on Nov. 5 and roads reopened.
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mill and Overlay Work Completed
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Oct. 25-29)
- No sidewalk work; Waiting for completion of utility vault work.
- Next week (Nov. 1-5)
- Will complete remaining restoration work when utility vaults completed.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar and the south side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Sidewalk work remaining on north side 5th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street will be completed once all utility work is completed.
- Remove all closures once work is completed.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Oct 25-29) Stage 4
- Installed concrete curb, sidewalk, and mainline paving on 4th Street between Market Street and Wabasha Street.
- Installed bike racks at 5th Street and St. Peter Street
- Xcel Energy working on their vaults on 4th Street between St. Peter Street and Wabasha Street, as well as Market Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Next week (Nov 1-5) Stage 4
- Finishing up concrete work.
- Finishing up brick paver work where needed.
- Install bike racks on 5th Street in the park area.
- Project clean up
- Traffic Impacts
- 4th Street between Wabasha Street and St. Peter Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Market Street between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (Oct. 25-29)
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mill and Overlay Work Completed
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Oct. 11-15)
- No sidewalk work; Waiting for completion of utility vault work.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar and the south side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Sidewalk work remaining on north side 5th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street will be completed once all utility work is completed.
- Next week (Oct 18-22)
- Will complete remaining restoration work when utility vaults completed.
- Remove all closures once work is completed.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Oct 11-15) Stage 4
- Installed concrete curb, sidewalk, and driveways on 4th Street between Market Street and Wabasha Street.
- Repaired broken conduit on 4th Street between Market Street and St. Peter Street.
- Xcel Energy working on their vaults on 4th Street between St. Peter Street and Wabasha Street, as well as Market Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Next week (Oct 18-22) Stage 4
- Continue to install new concrete and mainline paving on Market and 4th Street.
- Install bike racks on 5th Street in the park area.
- Remove brick pavers on 4th Street and Market Street
- Xcel Energy to install and waterproof their vault locations.
- Traffic Impacts
- 4th Street between Wabasha Street and St. Peter Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Market Street between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (Oct. 11-15)
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mill and Overlay Work Completed
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Oct. 4-8)
- No sidewalk work; Waiting for completion of utility vault work.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar and the south side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Next week (Oct 11-15)
- Sidewalk work remaining on 5th Street will be completed once all utility work is completed.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Oct 4-8) Stage 4
- Continue to remove brick pavers on 4th Street between Market Street and Wabasha Street.
- Installed concrete curb, sidewalk, driveways and mainline street paving on 4th Street between Market Street and Wabasha Street.
- Next week (Oct 11-15) Stage 4
- Continue to install new concrete on Market and 4th Street.
- Install bike racks on 5th Street in the park area.
- Traffic Impacts
- 4th Street between Wabasha Street and St. Peter Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Market Street between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (Oct. 4-8)
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mill and Overlay Work (schedule subject to weather):
- Paving is complete.
- Striping continues and should be completed by the end of next week, depending on weather.
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Sept 27-Oct 1)
- Curb and gutter along with most of the sidewalk were placed on the north side of 5th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street. There is one segment that will remain open for utility vault adjustments and it will be restored as soon as possible. The sidewalk will remain closed on the north side of 5th Street until restoration is complete.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Jackson Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway. The sidewalk in this area remains closed.
- Next week (Oct 4-8)
- Sidewalk work remaining on 5th Street will be completed once all utility work is completed.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Sept. 27-Oct 1) Stage 4
- Removed brick pavers on 4th Street between Market Street and Wabasha Street.
- Removed driveways on 4th Street between Market Street and Wabasha
- Removed and installed new catch basins at Market Street and 4th Street.
- Next week (Oct 4-8) Stage 4
- Continue with brick pavers and concrete removals.
- Install new driveways with concrete.
- Install new sidewalks and concrete in the roadway on 4th Street and Market Street.
- Traffic Impacts
- 4th Street between Wabasha Street and St. Peter Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Market Street between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mlll and Overlay Work (schedule subject to weather):
- 5th Street – Wabasha Street to Jackson Street
- Milling – September 23 & 24
- Paving – September 27
- 6th Street – Wabasha Street to Jackson Street
- Milling – September 23 & 24
- Paving – September 28
- 7th Place – Minnesota Street to Robert Street
- Milling – September 23 & 24
- Paving – September 29
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Sept 20-24)
- Curb and sidewalk was installed on the south side of 5th Street and south side of 6th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street. There is one segment that will remain open for utility maintenance and it will be restored as soon as possible.
- Curb and sidewalk was installed on the south side of 6th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway. The sidewalk in this area remains closed.
- Next week (Sept. 27-Oct 1)
- Sidewalk installation will begin on the north side of 5th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Sept. 20-24) Stage 3
- Completed paving on north side of 6th Street.
- Finished paving on Washington Street between 4th Street and Kellogg Boulevard
- Installed sidewalk on west side of Washington Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Next week (Sept. 27-Oct 1) Stage 4
- Will begin Stage 4 of the project.
- Start brick removal on 4th Street between Wabasha Street and St. Peter Street.
- Storm sewer work on 4th Street and Market Street.
- Traffic Impacts
- 4th Street between Wabasha Street and St. Peter Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Market Street between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street will be closed starting Monday, September 27.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- 5th Street – Wabasha Street to Jackson Street
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
Mlll and Overlay Work (Tentative schedule, subject to weather):
- 5th Street – Wabasha Street to Jackson Street
- Milling – September 23 & 24
- Paving – September 27
- 6th Street – Wabasha Street to Jackson Street
- Milling – September 23 & 24
- Paving – September 28
- 7th Place – Minnesota Street to Robert Street
- Milling – September 23 & 24
- Paving – September 29
Sidewalk Work:
- This week (Sept 13-17)
- Sidewalk removal work has begun on the south side of 5th Street and south side of 6th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Sidewalk work will be completed on the north side of 5th Street between Minnesota to Robert Street after necessary conduit repairs are made.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway. The sidewalk in this area remains closed.
- Next week (Sept. 20-24)
- Curb and gutter work will start on Monday on the south side of 5th Street and south side of 6th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street. Sidewalk work will follow.
- Sidewalk removal will begin on the north side of 5th Street from Robert Street to Jackson Street.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Sept. 13-17) Stage 3
- Installed sidewalk on east side of Washington Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Installed sidewalk panels on 6th Street between St. Peter and Wabasha Street.
- Installed concrete on the south side of 6th Street between St. Peter and Wabasha Street.
- Next week (Sept. 20-24) Stage 3
- Paving on 6th Street.
- Finish striping on 5th Street between Market and Wabasha Street.
- Remove brick and install sidewalk on west side of Washington between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Moving into Stage 4 in early October.
- Traffic Impacts
- Washington Street will be closed between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- 6th Street between St. Peter Street and Wabasha Street will be closed, except for entrance to Lawson Parking Ramp.
- The east lane of St. Peter between 5th and 6th Street will remain closed during project construction.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- 5th Street – Wabasha Street to Jackson Street
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
- This week (Sept 3-10)
- Sidewalk work on 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Robert Street has mostly been completed.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Sidewalk work will be completed on the north side of 5th Street between Minnesota to Robert Street after necessary conduit repairs are made.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway. The sidewalk in this area remains closed.
- Next week (Sept. 13-17)
- Xcel Energy is working on 5th Street from Robert to Jackson. Once they are completed, the City will begin sidewalk removals on the south side of the street.
- Sidewalk removals will begin on the south side of 6th Street from Robert to Jackson Street as early as Friday, Sept. 17.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (Sept. 3-7) Stage 3
- Removed bricks on east side of Washington Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Storm sewer and catch basin work.
- Began brick removal on 6th Street between St. Peter and Wabasha Street.
- Next week (Sept. 13-17) Stage 3
- Continue brick removal on 6th Street.
- Start concrete work on 6th Street.
- Start sidewalk work in front of Hamm building.
- Install sidewalk and street work on Washington between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Traffic Impacts
- Washington Street will be closed between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- 6th Street between St. Peter Street and Wabasha Street will be closed, except for entrance to Lawson Parking Ramp.
- The east lane of St. Peter between 5th and 6th Street will remain closed during project construction.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (Sept 3-10)
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 30-Sept 3)
- Sidewalk work on 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Robert Street has mostly been completed.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway. The sidewalk in this area remains closed.
- Next week (Sept. 7-10).
- 5th Street restoration work will continue.
- The timeline of sidewalk work on both 5th and 6th Streets between Robert Street and Jackson Street has not yet been determined. The City is waiting for current utility work to be completed.
- Traffic Impacts
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 30-Sept. 3) Stage 2 & 3
- Installed brick pavers around tree planters.
- Vaults lowered by utility companies to fit the sidewalk.
- Transitioned to Stage 3
- Started work on Washington Street and 6th Street segments.
- Next week (Sept 7-10) Stage 3
- Xcel Energy will be working on gas lines.
- Brick removals on east side of Washington Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street
- Begin brick removal on 6th Street between St. Peter and Kellogg Blvd.
- Storm sewer and catch basin work.
- Traffic Impacts
- Washington Street will be closed between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- 6th Street between St. Peter and Kellogg Blvd will be closed.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (August 30-Sept 3)
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PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- Starting today, September 1: Stage 3 will begin. See Purple Area Staging Plan map for location details.
- Washington Street from Kellogg Boulevard to 4th Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic, as well as the section of Washington Street between 5th Street and 6th Street.
- Brick removals will begin on the east side of Washington.
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 23-27)
- Sidewalk work on 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Robert Street has mostly been completed.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway.
- Next week (August 30-Sept. 3)
- Sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Cedar Street and Minnesota Street will be completed.
- 5th Street restoration work will continue.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is scheduled to be poured, There may be some segments that will need to be completed after Xcel Energy completes it repair work.
- The south side of 5th Street between Minnesota and Robert Street will remain closed, and will not be restored until the property owner repairs their areaway below the sidewalk.
- The north side of 5th Street between Wabasha and Cedar is closed to allow for utility repairs to a vault.
- Traffic Impacts
- Eastbound 5th Street closed at 7th Street, except for buses and vehicles entering the parking at the Travelers building
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 23-27) Stage 2
- Installed curbs, sidewalks and paving in parking areas was done on 5th Street between Market and Wabasha.
- Completed brick removal on 5th Street between St. Peter and Wabasha Street.
- Installed brick pavers around tree planters.
- Vaults lowered by utility companies to fit the sidewalk.
- Next week (August 30 - Sept 3) Stage 2
- Continue installation of new sidewalks and curbs.
- Could transition into Stage 3, depending on weather
- Brick removals on Washington Street between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street
- Potential storm sewer and catch basin work.
- Traffic Impacts
- Eastbound 5th Street closed at 7th Street, except for buses and vehicles entering the parking at the Travelers building
- Washington Street will be closed between Kellogg Blvd and 4th Street.
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (August 23-27)
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 16-20)
- Sidewalk work on 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Robert Street has mostly been completed.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway.
- Next week (August 23-27)
- Sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street between Cedar Street and Minnesota Street will be completed.
- 5th Street restoration work will continue.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is scheduled to be poured, There may be some segments that will need to be completed after Xcel Energy completes it repair work.
- Traffic Impacts
- Eastbound 5th Street closed at 7th Street, except for buses and vehicles entering the parking at the Travelers building
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 16-20) Stage 2
- Curbs, sidewalks and pedestrian ramps were installed.
- 5th Street from Smith to Washington was milled and paving was started.
- Next week (August 23-27) Stage 2
- Continue installation of new sidewalks and curbs.
- Complete brick removal on 5th Street between St. Peter and Wabasha Street.
- Could transition into Stage 3
- Traffic Impacts
- Eastbound 5th Street closed at 7th Street, except for buses and vehicles entering the parking at the Travelers building
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (August 16-20)
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GREEN PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 9-13) Stage 2
- Curb and gutter has been placed on the north and south sides of 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Cedar Street. The sidewalks will be poured and complete on the south side by the end of this week. The sidewalk on the north side will have a gap in it for the time being until a utility vault is repaired and ready for restoration.
- Sidewalk has been removed on the north side of 5th Street between Cedar Street and Minnesota Street. Curb and gutter has been placed and a good portion of the sidewalk will be poured back by the end of the week. There will be some areas that will remain open in this segment for our electricians to make some necessary repairs to the conduits and wires that service the signals and street lighting. Once they are completed the sidewalk will be restored.
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street has been removed and curb and gutter.
- The sidewalk on the south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has been restored where possible, but the remaining work will have to wait to allow for the adjacent property to have some repairs made to the areaway.
- Next week (August 20-26) Stage 2
- The sidewalk on the north side of 5th Street from Minnesota Street to Robert Street is scheduled to be poured, There may be some segments that will need to be completed after Xcel Energy completes it repair work.
- City electricians will be putting the street lighting back up on 5th Street, where possible.
- Concrete work will continue on 5th Street from Wabasha Street to Robert Street.
- 5th Street restoration work will continue.
- Traffic Impacts
- Eastbound 5th Street closed at 7th Street, except for buses and vehicles entering the parking at the Travelers building
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
- MnDOT has closed the access ramp to I-94 at 5th/6th Street until early November for the Reimagining I-94 project work, please plan alternative routes.
- This week (August 9-13) Stage 2
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PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (August 2-6) Stage 2
- Curb and sidewalk removal
- Brick pavers removed on 5th Street between Market Street and St Peter Street
- Asphalt removal next to curb
- Next week (August 9-13) Stage 2
- Install new sidewalk and curb
- Continue with storm sewer work on 5th Street
- Continue with brick paver removal
- Stage 1: some sidewalk work remains; delayed due to additional utility/vault work
- Traffic Impacts
- Eastbound 5th Street closed at 7th Street, except for buses and vehicles entering the parking at the Travelers building
- Follow all detours and posted signs. Additional construction impacts from utility and private construction projects in the area
GREEN PROJECT AREA
- Sidewalk work to replace damaged or non-compliant sidewalk panels has begun. Please follow all pedestrian detours.
- Saint Paul Public Works will work to maintain sidewalk access to building entrances, parking ramps and loading docks. There will be a period of limited access after concrete has been poured. Notice to property owners will be provided 72 hours in advance of temporary access closures.
- Please share the construction/access information with building tenants or visitors
- Utility work is also closing sidewalk access in some areas.
- Current Work (August 2-11)
- Sidewalk, curb and gutter work on north side of 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Cedar Street and on south side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street has begun and is anticipated to be completed by August 11, weather permitting
- Upcoming Work
- Sidewalk work will begin as early as August 11 on the south side of 5th Street between Wabasha Street and Cedar Street, on the north side of 5th Street between Cedar Street and Minnesota Street, and on the north side of 5th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street
- This week (August 2-6) Stage 2
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PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- This week (July 26-30)
- Finishing up concrete curbs and sidewalk in Stage 1
- Resurfacing 6th Street on Friday, July 30. The intersection of 6th and Smith and Dorothy Day Pl will be closed for 2-3 hours (most likely in the afternoon) while they pave in the intersection
- Next week (August 2-6)
- Stage 2: 5th Street (see Purple Area Staging Plan map for location details) is scheduled to start August 2.
- Remove broken concrete and brick pavers from sidewalks
- Storm sewer work.
- Detour will switched over to Stage 2 over the weekend
- Going east on 5th Street, vehicles will be detoured at 7th St (turning right) down to Kellogg Blvd (turning left) down to Wabasha St (turning left) back to 5th Street
GREEN PROJECT AREA
- Sidewalk work to replace broken or cracked sidewalk panels will begin. Please follow all pedestrian detours.
- Saint Paul Public Works will work to maintain sidewalk access to building entrances, parking ramps and loading docks. There will be a period of limited access after concrete has been poured. Notice to property owners will be provided 72 hours in advance of temporary access closures.
- Please share the construction/access information with building tenants or visitors.
- This week (July 26-30)
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- This week (July 19-23)
- Concrete sidewalk and curb will be poured Thursday and Friday on 6th Street between St Peter and Dorothy Day Place
- Next week (July 26-30)
- Completing concrete work for sidewalks and curbs in Stage 1
- Resurfacing 6th Street from west of Dorothy Day Place to Washington Street; please plan accordingly to avoid this area if possible due to the heavy equipment, trucks and potential delays
- Traffic detours remain in place. Traffic on 6th Street is being detoured south on St. Peter Street to west on Kellogg Boulevard to north on West 7th Street to reconnect with 6th Street, 5th Street, and the entrance ramp to westbound I-94. Please follow posted signs.
- Stage 2: 5th Street (see Purple Area Staging Plan map for location details) is scheduled to start August 2. Advanced warning signs will be posted the week prior to starting Stage 2 work.
- This week (July 19-23)
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- This week (July 12-16), storm sewer and underground utility work was done on 6th Street at Washington Street.
- Next week (July 19-23), concrete sidewalk and curb will be poured on 6th Street between St. Peter Street and Dorothy Day Place. This work will occur throughout the week
- Traffic detours remain in place. Traffic on 6th Street is being detoured south on St. Peter Street to west on Kellogg Boulevard to north on West 7th Street to reconnect with 6th Street, 5th Street, and the entrance ramp to westbound I-94. Please follow posted signs.
- Stage 2: 5th Street (see Purple Area Staging Plan map for location details) is scheduled towards the middle or end of the week of July 26. Advanced warning signs will be posted the week prior to starting Stage 2 work.
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- The contractor began saw-cutting on Friday, July 2.
- Traffic signs, detours, and road closures will go up Monday, July 5. Please be mindful of posted No Parking signs and/or roadway impacts.
- Beginning Tuesday, July 6, crews are scheduled to begin sidewalk removals on 6th Street between 7th and Washington Streets.
- Washington Street was added to the first stage of construction between 5th and 6th Streets - work on this section is anticipated to occur the third week of July.
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Saint Paul Public Works has completed the resurfacing work (mill and overlay) that remained from the 2020 Downtown Paving and Sidewalk Improvement Project with the exception of 7th Place. 7th Place will be completed in the fall with the 2021 Downtown Paving and Sidewalk Improvement Project.
Downtown Streets: (Scheduled dates are subject to change due to weather.)
- 10th Street – Main Street (Dorothy Day Place to St. Peter Street
- Milling – Completed June 1, 2021
- Paving – Completed June 3, 2021
- Main Street (Dorothy Day Place) – Old 6th Street to 10th Street
- Milling – Completed June 1, 2021
- Paving – Completed June 3, 2021
- St. Joseph’s Lane – 7th Street to Exchange Street
- Milling – Completed June 1, 2021
- Paving – Completed June 4, 2021
- Wacouta Street – Kellogg Blvd to 4th Street
- Milling – Completed June 1, 2021
- Paving – Completed June 4, 2021
- 7th Place – Minnesota Street to Robert Street
- Milling – Fall 2021
- Paving – Fall 2021
- Robert Street to Jackson Street (Subject to Building Improvements Completion)
- Milling – TBD
- Paving – TBD
- 10th Street – Main Street (Dorothy Day Place to St. Peter Street
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The Downtown Paving & Sidewalk Improvement Project will begin work in the PURPLE AREA as early as June 28, 2021. The project will:
- Perform a mill and overlay of downtown streets (remove the current pavement and installing new asphalt).
- Remove the brick pavers from parking lanes and sidewalks in designated areas (see map) and replace with concrete. We will not remove stamped or colored concrete that is in good condition.
- Replace concrete sidewalk panels and curbs that are broken or in disrepair.
Work in the PURPLE AREA will be completed in four stages that are approximately five weeks each, weather permitting. No work will be done on the brick streets, ramps, or sidewalks adjacent to or across the street from Rice Park. ADA pedestrian ramps that are adjacent to brick streets are not a part of this project.
Stage 1 is 5th Street from the I-94 entrance ramp to Wabasha Street. The road work will not include the intersections at 7th Street, St. Peter, or Wabasha Street. It will also not include the section of 5th Street between Washington and Market Street.
- Saint Paul Public Works will work to maintain sidewalk access to building entrances, parking ramps and loading docks. There will be a period of limited access after concrete has been poured. Notice to property owners will be provided 72 hours in advance of temporary access closures.
- Prior to the milling and paving road closures, there will be various road and lane closures in the active area to provide space for the contractors to remove brick and do needed sidewalk repair work. Please remind people to follow all posted sidewalk and road detours.
- There will be times during the active stage that dock and ramp access will need to be temporarily closed to vehicles during the milling and paving of the street in front of the access area.
- To limit thru traffic in the project area, there will be posted signs that state, “Road Closed to Thru Traffic” but access to driveways, ramps, and loading docks will be maintained.
- There will be no on-street parking in the active stage area.
- If you have not already done so, please notify Public Works right away if there are areaways or vaults underneath your sidewalk.
- Please share the construction/access information with building tenants or visitors.
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Saint Paul Public Works will begin resurfacing work (mill and overlay) on several downtown streets, starting on June 1. This work remains from the 2020 Downtown Paving and Sidewalk Improvement Project that was not completed last fall.
Downtown Streets: (Scheduled dates are subject to change due to weather.)
- 10th Street – Main Street (Dorothy Day Place to St. Peter Street
- Milling – June 1, 2021
- Paving – June 3, 2021
- Main Street (Dorothy Day Place) – Old 6th Street to 10th Street
- Milling – June 1, 2021
- Paving – June 3, 2021
- St. Joseph’s Lane – 7th Street to Exchange Street
- Milling – June 1, 2021
- Paving – June 3, 2021
- Wacouta Street – Kellogg Blvd to 4th Street
- Milling – June 1/2, 2021
- Paving – June 3/4, 2021
- 7th Place – Minnesota Street to Robert Street
- Milling – Fall 2021
- Paving – Fall 2021
- Robert Street to Jackson Street (Subject to Building Improvements Completion)
- Milling – TBD
- Paving – TBD
- 10th Street – Main Street (Dorothy Day Place to St. Peter Street
Project Documents
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- Entire Downtown Map
- Purple Area Map (shows areas of brick removal)
- Purple Area Staging Plan Map
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- PURPLE PROJECT AREA
- GREEN PROJECT AREA
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Downtown Sidewalk and Paving Improvement Project (Phase III) is one project with two unique project areas (purple and green) that have different Public Works Project Managers and slightly different timelines and approaches using City contractors.
Download or print a copy of the Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends. Property owners in the “green” project area of Phase III can hire a licensed and bonded contractor to do their sidewalk work. If property owners are going to do their own sidewalk work, they must notify Saint Paul Public Works no later than May 1, 2021. Public Works has a list of licensed and bonded sidewalk contractors. The list can be obtained from the Public Works Sidewalk Division at 651-266-6120. Sidewalk contractors will have to obtain the required permits from Public Works to do the work. If property owners in the green area choose to hire a private contractor to replace the sidewalk, all sidewalk work must be completed by August 1, 2021.
Property owners in the “purple” area may be able to hire a private contractor only if all the sidewalk work is removing concrete or brick and replacing it with concrete. If property owners in the purple area choose to hire a private contractor to replace the brick in the sidewalk with concrete, all sidewalk work must be completed by June 1, 2021.
If you are considering using a private contractor for any sidewalk work, immediately contact the Public Works project engineer in your area to finalize timing and scope of work.
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In many areas the brick pavers in both the sidewalk and street pavement are in poor to moderate condition. The brick pavers in the street that are being removed are located in the parking lanes. This is not “historic” brick work original to the area.
Although the brick pavers add some aesthetic value to the area, they have been problematic for maintenance, especially with our winter conditions. The salt and plowing/shoveling easily damage the individual pavers which can be costly to repair and replace. The brick pavers are also often challenging for individuals with mobility issues, including but not limited to using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and canes.
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No. Per a request from the Rice Park Association, Saint Paul Public Works will not remove the clay brick pavers from the street segments abutting Rice Park: Washington Street, Market Street, Fourth Street and Fifth Street.
The City of Saint Paul and Saint Paul Public Works do not have any current or planned funding or timelines for any major repairs or replacement of the clay brick pavers in the street segments surrounding Rice Park.
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In 2020, Saint Paul Public Works conducted a sidewalk condition assessment in the 2021 project areas, including the Rice Park area of downtown, and identified locations where sidewalk area/panels need removal and replacement. As a part of this project, the City is removing all brick pavers from the sidewalk and replacing it with concrete. The removal process is being done by a City contractor because it requires additional time, equipment, and resources due to replacing larger sections of sidewalk.
Saint Paul Public Works is in the process of preparing the necessary contract documents to have the sidewalk work competitively bid. The benefits for property owners to use the City’s contractor for doing the sidewalk work versus doing it themselves include:
- Public Works is contracting for a significant amount of sidewalk work to be done through a competitive bidding process. Given the quantity of work proposed, the City anticipates receiving competitive/lower bid prices. Contractors are likely to bid less per foot for a larger total volume of work.
- Public Works will be able to coordinate construction activities with one contractor to minimize both the extent and duration of construction disruption in both the Rice Park area (purple area) and the other project area (green area) of downtown. Note: There will be disruption to vehicle traffic, parking, ramp/driveway access and pedestrian movements throughout sidewalk construction. Having one contractor will make it easier to manage construction activities and to notify property owners of when and where work activities are scheduled to take place.
- Sidewalk construction will be inspected by Public Works staff to ensure the quality of the work being performed and that specifications are being met.
- Having one contractor performing the sidewalk work will ensure quality and consistency of sidewalk work throughout the project area.
- Public Works will be responsible for making all payments to the contractor.
- Property owners will be sent an invoice from the City for the sidewalk work performed and will have the option of paying it in full upon receipt of the bill or having it certified to their property taxes and paying for it over time.
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Sidewalk/concrete work in the both the purple area and green area of downtown will take place throughout the 2021 construction season.
In the purple area, sidewalk work is expected to begin in June 2021 and be completed by the end of October 2021. The project will be done in stages to minimize traffic disruptions. Please see the project website for the latest project updates and timing.
In the green area, sidewalk work is expected to start in May 2021 if all work is being done by the City’s contractor. The anticipated sidewalk completion date is by the end of September 2021.
As with any construction work, the schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions.
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Yes. The City is committed to improving pedestrian safety and mobility access in downtown. Having sidewalks that are free from defects and hazards are key components to keeping pedestrians safe and allowing access for all regardless of mobility needs.
All existing brick pavers will be removed and replaced with ADA-compliant concrete sidewalks.
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Public Works has identified where the known areaways and vaults are located in both the purple area and green area of downtown (at least those that have been documented in some way). Public Works welcomes the opportunity to meet with individual property owners to better understand the location, use, and condition of any areaway or vault. That review will determine the next steps to address individual areaways or vaults. The City’s preference is to have areaways filled in that are no longer in use. The cost for addressing areaways or vaults will be the responsibility of the property owner.
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No. Public Works will repair or replace any conduit that is exposed and damaged due to sidewalk removal, but we will not be installing new conduit in sidewalk areas for future use. Putting conduits in sidewalk areas is problematic because it will inevitably be damaged in the future if the sidewalk needs to be removed and replaced.
If property owners/management companies believe that they will need or want additional fiber or connectivity in the next five years, we recommend they reach out to their service providers to review opportunities now while the street is open and sidewalk panels are being replaced.
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No. Research has shown that colored and stamped concrete does not hold up as well as non-stamped or smooth-surfaced concrete in the long term. Also, if there are eventual “cuts” into the sidewalk for utilities, it’s extremely hard to match and gives a less appealing “patchwork” look to the sidewalk.
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Heated sidewalks are very time consuming and expensive to install. All operations and maintenance costs of any heated sidewalk is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. There may not be sufficient planning and construction time to accommodate a special provision for heated sidewalks. If a property owner is interested in having heated sidewalks, contact Public Works as soon as possible.
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Yes. Public Works has met with Xcel Energy, District Energy, Saint Paul Regional Water Services and various communication companies about this project. They have been provided a map showing the locations of proposed sidewalk and street work that may impact their facilities. The timing of the City’s work has been adjusted in a few areas to accommodate the needed utility work first.
Yes. Public Works does require locators to use a marking paint that can be easily removed and one that fades/disappears quickly over time.
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No. The project scope is only reconstruction or replacement of the existing sidewalk. Because we will not be expanding or adding more sidewalks, there are no requirements mandated by the Watershed for this type of work.
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Any tree damage caused by the contractor during construction will be the responsibility of the contractor to fix or replace. Public Works inspectors will be on site to ensure damage is noted and addressed.
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Public Works is coordinating with the City forester to determine where existing stumps may be removed as a result of sidewalk removal and replacement. New trees will not be added at this time as part of this project, but spaces where trees once were will be preserved to allow for future plantings.
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Wabasha Street from Kellogg Boulevard to 6th Street is scheduled for full street reconstruction in 2022. Wabasha Street from 6th Street to 11th Street will be milled and overlaid in 2022.
Minnesota Street from Kellogg Boulevard to 11th Street is scheduled for a full street reconstruction in 2024.
The western section of the Capital City Bikeway will be installed in the coming years when a final location decision of either Wabasha Street or St. Peter Street is determined.
There is planned work for the eastbound Kellogg bridge and Exchange Street, as well as the Kellogg/3rd Street bridge in the coming years.
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As with all construction projects, Public Works will work with Metro Transit to determine where temporary bus stop locations will be needed during construction. Metro Transit will notify riders and temporary locations will be signed. Public Works is working with Metro Transit to coordinate future Gold Line stops.
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The estimated project budget (without sidewalk work) is $4 million. All project work, except for the sidewalk repair and replacement work, is being funded 50% by the City’s general fund and 50% by a special tax assessment to adjacent property owners. The final rate has not yet been determined.
Sidewalk work is 100% assessed to the adjacent property owners.
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Public Works encourages property owners, businesses and tenants to visit this website and sign up to receive project updates via email.
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The 2021 Downtown Sidewalk and Paving Improvement Project (Phase III) is one project, but has two unique project areas that have different Public Works Project Managers and slightly different approaches using City contractors:
- Purple area: Barb Mundahl at barbara.mundahl@ci.stpaul.mn.us
- Green area: Jary Lee at jary.lee@ci.stpaul.mn.us
- You can also always email downtownsidewalks@ci.stpaul.mn.us with questions, comments and concerns and your email will be directed to the right person(s)