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

    Construction Update, December 20, 2024

    Ongoing activities on Robert Street, updated December 20, 2024

    Road closures and lane restrictions on Robert Street and in downtown Saint Paul remain the same for the coming week. Construction activities will slow down or stop in some areas over the next two weeks for the holidays - construction barriers will remain in place.

    Utility work continues to progress on Robert Street. Crews anticipate work to continue through the end of the month between 7th Street and Kellogg Boulevard and through spring 2025 between 11th and 7th Streets, in advance of the reconstruction project. 

    Traffic impacts

    Robert Street remains reduced to one lane in each direction between 7th Street and Fillmore Avenue, exceptions are noted below. 

    Activities along Robert Street:

    Crews will halt construction activities by the end of day Friday, December 20, 2024 and resume work the week of January 6, 2025.

    • Between 9th and 7th Streets
      • Road remains closed.
      • Xcel Energy and Xcel Gas work on their utilities. The road is expected to reopen in late December/early January, or until work is completed.
      • Detour: Use 9th Street, Jackson Street, and 7th Street.
      • Access to driveways off Robert Street will be maintained.
      • Intersections across Robert Street remain open.
      • There may be periodic, short-term delays while crews move equipment or materials through the area.
    • Between 6th Street and Kellogg Boulevard
      • Xcel Gas is working on their utilities.
      • Work between 5th and 6th Streets is complete. The pits will not be backfilled until further testing is completed on the gas lines. 
    • At 6th, 5th and 4th Street intersections
      • Sanitary sewer work is occurring.
      • Traffic is restricted through these intersections.
    • Access to local businesses is being maintained
    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
    Map showing road closures and lane restrictions in downtown Saint Paul December 13, 2024

    Other area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, December 20, 2024 (no changes since December 13)

    No changes to road closures and lane restrictions in downtown Saint Paul. Construction activities may slow down or temporarily stop over the next two weeks for the holidays - construction barriers and signs will remain in place.

    Construction activities, mainly utility and private work, will continue this winter in downtown Saint Paul. Plan accordingly and expect delays. Please follow all posted signs. Road and lane closures will change as construction continues.

    • 6th Street
      • Reduced to one lane of traffic between Wabasha and Cedar Streets.
    • 7th Street
      • Lane restrictions between Minnesota and Robert Streets.
    • 9th Street
      • Parking and sidewalk restrictions will be in place between Minnesota and Robert Streets. Please pay extra attention to signage and follow any posted pedestrian routes.
    • Kellogg Boulevard: Bridge Closure
      • Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge (Lafayette to Mounds) remains closed through 2027.
      • Kellogg Boulevard between Broadway Street and Lafayette Street is open for access to parking lots and businesses.
      • For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3. 
    • Minnesota Street
      • Minnesota Street has lane restrictions between 10th and 6th Streets.
      • Daytime closures between 4th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
      • In the coming weeks, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to occur for private utility work.
      • For more information about Minnesota Street, visit www.stpaul.gov/MinnesotaStreet2.
    • Robert Street
      • Closure between 9th and 7th Streets: This closure is needed for Xcel Energy and Xcel Gas to work on their utilities.
      • Robert Street reduced to one lane in each direction between 7th Street and Fillmore Avenue.
      • Pedro Park: For more information, please visit the Pedro Park project’s website: www.stpaul.gov/pedropark.
    • St. Peter Street: Lane restrictions between 5th Street and Kellogg Boulevard. 

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

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

    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 - 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.