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, January 10, 2025

    Ongoing activities on Robert Street, updated January 10, 2025

    Utility work continues to progress on Robert Street. Xcel gas has completed installation on their gas main and are currently testing the line. Xcel gas continues to work on their service lines through mid-January. We anticipate utility work to continue through spring between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard, in advance of the reconstruction project. 

    Traffic impacts 

    Activities along Robert Street:

    • Lane restrictions between 11th and 9th Streets
      • Sanitary manhole work and Xcel Electric are working on their utilities.
      • Traffic will be restricted through early March.
    • Road remains closed between 9th and 7th Streets
      • Xcel Energy and Xcel Gas are wrapping up work on their utilities. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of next week.
      • 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.
    • 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 January 10, 2025

    Other area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, January 10, 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.

    • 9th Street:
      • Lane restrictions between Robert Street and N Temperance Street.
    • Kellogg Boulevard:
      • Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027.  
      • Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard.
      • Access to parking lots and businesses is being maintained.
      • For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit: www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
    • Robert Street at Pedro Park:
    • Robert Street between Kellogg Boulevard and Fillmore Avenue:
      • Reduced to one lane in each direction.

    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 - 2025

    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.