MnDOT releases new design
concept for Robert Street
Tim Spitzack
Editor
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has released new design concepts for significant improvements to Robert Street on the West Side, between Annapolis Street and Fillmore Avenue, likely occurring in 2026-2028. The new design is focused on calming traffic, improving pedestrian and bike access, and creating a safer environment for walking, bicycling, using transit and driving.
Highlights of the design include:
- Converting Robert Street to a three-lane road throughout the project area, with one traffic lane in each direction and a center turn lane.
- Medians along Robert Street to improve safety by shortening pedestrian crossings and calming traffic speeds.
- A two-way separated bike lane on the east side of Robert Street from Cesar Chavez Street to Kellogg Boulevard to make travel safer for both bicyclists and motorists. The St. Paul Bicycle Plan calls for a bike path on Robert Street.
- Parking bays at select locations along the corridor. This preserves parking where it’s needed for access to housing and businesses, while calming traffic and improving visibility and green space.
- A roundabout at Robert, State and Sidney streets to make it safer and easier for cars to turn left onto Robert Street and reduce speeding, making it easier for pedestrians to cross the street.
- Deactivating and potentially removing the signal at Curtice Street and installing alternative pedestrian safety improvements. Traffic data shows the number of vehicles traveling through the intersection may not support a signal. Pedestrians often cross without waiting for the walk sign.
- Project plans also include repairing or replacing the roadway pavement and sidewalks.
MnDOT completed repairs to the viaduct between King Street and Cesar Chavez Street in 2022, but more extensive repairs, or even a replacement, will be needed in the future. MnDOT is working to secure funding for viaduct improvements and is continuing to develop plans for any future viaduct construction. Until funding is secured, MnDOT will continue to monitor, inspect and repair the viaduct as needed.
Public meetings
MNDOT is hosting meetings this fall for the public to learn more about the design and give feedback. Public meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m., at Villa del Sol Community Space, 88 Cesar Chavez St. A brief presentation will be given at 4:30 p.m.
More information and a video with a detailed look at the proposed design is available at mndot.gov/metro/projects/robertstreet/design.html. For more information, contact MNDOT at 612-438-0377 or info@robertstreetimprovements.com.
Business meeting: Friday, Nov. 1, 8-9 a.m. and noon-1 p.m. at Girl Scouts River Valleys, 400 S. Robert St.
