Downtown street and bridge projects get underway

Jake Spitzack

Staff Writer

Bright orange construction signs seem to magically appear as quickly as the last layer of snow melts, and this year is no exception. Here are some road projects in the works for this summer that will affect travel.

A portion of the south corridor of the Capital City Bikeway, along Kellogg Boulevard from St. Peter Street to Jackson Street, will be constructed, starting in July. Work includes adding a new separated bikeway and sidewalk on the north side of Kellogg Boulevard, signal improvements and sewer work. The second phase of the project, from St. Peter Street to West 7th Street, is scheduled for 2025.

Minnesota Street from Kellogg Boulevard to 6th Street will be reconstructed. Work includes paving, sidewalks and underground utilities. Improvements are being made to increase safety, add a bikeway connection and upgrade aging infrastructure. The second phase of the project, from 6th Street to 11th Street, will take place next year.

The Kellogg and 3rd Street bridge, including Kellogg Boulevard from Broadway Street to Mounds Boulevard, will be reconstructed late this year. Work will begin by December at the earliest and take about three years to complete.

If funds come through, the City will begin rebuilding the 85-year-old eastbound Kellogg Boulevard RiverCentre Bridge and the

Exchange Street viaduct. Improvements include building a shared pedestrian and bike lane through the Exchange Street viaduct – connecting the Sam Morgan Regional Trail (Shepard Road) to the future Capital City Bikeway on Kellogg Boulevard – and improving the RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center loading dock access ramps located under the bridge.

Work will also be done to improve utility infrastructure.

It seems to have been a record winter for the formation of potholes. Patching is underway across the city. To report potholes, call 651-266-9700 or email potholes@ci.stpaul.mn.us. For more information, visit stpaul.gov and search “pothole patching.”