MnDOT releases new design concept for Robert Street in St. Paul
Roseville, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has released a new design concept for significant improvements to Robert Street, 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 Robert Street for everyone – whether walking, bicycling, rolling, using transit or 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 Saint Paul Bicycle Plan calls for a bike path on Robert Street.
- Parking bays at select locations along the corridor to rightsize parking with demand, based on the results of a recent parking study. 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, which is unsafe.
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. More extensive repairs, or even a replacement, will be needed in the future. MnDOT is working to secure funding for viaduct improvements as soon as possible. MnDOT is also continuing to develop plans for any future viaduct construction and will share that information next year. Until funding is secured, MnDOT will continue to monitor and inspect the viaduct repairs as needed.
More information and a video with a detailed look at the proposed design is available on the Highway 3/Robert Street project website.
Upcoming public meetings
MnDOT has been working with the community to envision the future of Robert Street since 2020, listening to thousands of community members about their experiences with and priorities for Robert Street. The project team is hosting opportunities this fall for the public to learn more about the design, share their comments and talk to the project team.
- Business meetings: Friday, Nov. 1, from 8-9 a.m. and noon-1 p.m. at Girl Scouts River Valleys ( 400 S. Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55107 ).
- Public meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 4-6 p.m. at Villa del Sol Community Space ( 88 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul, MN 55107 ). A brief presentation will be given at 4:30 p.m.
To request an ASL, foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, please contact Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 (711 or 1-800-627-3529 for MN Relay). You can also email your request to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us. Please make your request at least one week before the event or meeting.
Those unable to attend the public meeting can review the designs and learn more about the project by visiting the Robert Street project website. The site includes upcoming design concept changes for the full length of the project area. Community members can also reach out to MnDOT with questions or comments at 612-438-0377 or info@robertstreetimprovements.com.
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