We are planning significant improvements to Robert St. between Bernard St. and Kellogg Blvd. Construction will be completed in multiple phases in 2027 and 2028, with some utility work in 2026. Depending on funding, most construction between Page St. and Cesar Chavez will occur in 2029. By building the project in phases, road closures will be limited to the immediate area under construction.
View the design, learn about what we heard from the community and how that input was incorporated in the final design.
The project will repair or replace the roadway pavement, replace sidewalks, improve safety, and will be coordinated with other infrastructure work planned along the corridor such as utility replacement and transit improvements.
We are planning for Robert St. construction to occur at the same time as work for the Metro Transit G Line to minimize disruptions to the community.
Summary of work
Began fall 2020: Test temporary curb extensions at the intersections of Baker St. and Robert St. and Isabel St. and Robert St.
2026: Some utility construction
2027-2028: Construction will be completed in multiple phases
2029: Viaduct construction, pending funding
Complete: Repaired the George St. bridge and the viaduct between Cesar Chavez and King St. East, and repaired and resurfaced the Robert St. bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks
Complete: Micro-surface and restripe Robert St. between Annapolis St. (south of the Mississippi River) and 11th St. in downtown St. Paul (just south of I-94)
Complete: Repair Robert St. Bridge over the Mississippi River
We are also conducting a nearby study on South Robert St. between Mendota Rd. and Annapolis St. in West St. Paul. For more information, visit the study webpage.
Lead pipe replacement
Properties eligible for the City of St. Paul’s Lead Free SPRWS program may have their water service lines replaced at no cost to property owners. Timing the replacement with road construction makes the process efficient and lessens disruptions. View eligibility and program information.
Construction
There will be very limited public and private utility work in 2026. The road will stay open during this work.
Road construction will occur from 2027-2028. The work will be broken into smaller segments:
Segment 1: Robert St. between Kellogg Blvd. and Fillmore Ave.
Segment 2: Robert St. between Fillmore Ave. and Wood St.
Segment 3: Robert St. between Wood St. and Cesar Chavez St.
Segment 4: Robert St. between Page St. and Bernard St.
Future construction segment (pending funding): Robert St. between Cesar Chavez St. and Page St.
This will require road closures. Having construction segments will limit road closures to the immediate area under construction. Construction segments may be closed and reopened periodically.
Construction work may not be completed in a linear order (e.g., from north to south along the road). We plan to give the contractor a reasonable amount of flexibility to complete the project efficiently while minimizing impact on businesses and residents as much as possible.
We will communicate regularly with businesses and residents throughout the construction project to provide the latest information about construction staging, road closures and access impacts. Please sign up for our project email list to receive up-to-date information about the project.
During construction, large, 20-foot holes will be dug in the road to replace underground utilities. During road closures, it will not always be possible to drive directly to destinations along Robert St.
Access during construction
Business access
We are working with individual businesses to ensure access is maintained throughout construction, but access will look different than it does today.
Signs and temporary routes will be posted to help customers reach businesses during each phase of construction.
Residential access
Residents should anticipate not having access to their driveways for several weeks when the road is being constructed.
The contractor will gather garbage and recycling cans on collection days.
Parking
A temporary parking lot will be available by Michael’s Pizza.
Additional parking will be available on side streets.
Traffic impacts
All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.
Upcoming
Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available.
