The bustling intersection of Grand Avenue and Snelling Avenue in St. Paul is set to undergo significant reconstruction, with work anticipated to begin in late June or early July. The project, spearheaded by the St. Paul City Council, aims to enhance pedestrian safety and address critical utility needs. Residents and businesses can expect substantial traffic disruptions throughout the summer, including a full closure of Grand Avenue at the intersection.

City officials provided details of the upcoming construction at a recent public meeting, outlining the scope of work and anticipated impacts. The project includes resurfacing the entire intersection, upgrading the signal system with camera detection, and installing curb extensions, also known as bump-outs, to shorten pedestrian crossing distances. Beneath the surface, crews will be reconnecting new water mains, replacing storm sewers affected by the new bump-outs, and repairing a sanitary sewer line found to be in poor condition.

The most notable impact for commuters will be the complete closure of Grand Avenue eastbound and westbound through the intersection for the duration of the project. This means through traffic on Grand Avenue will be restricted, and vehicles will no longer be able to make left or right turns from Snelling Avenue onto Grand. Snelling Avenue, however, will maintain one lane in each direction (northbound and southbound) during construction, though minor interruptions are expected.

Detour routes for through traffic will be established via Fairview, Marshall, Hamlin, and Sinclair Avenues. While the hard closure at the intersection will necessitate rerouting, access to local businesses and residences on Grand Avenue will be maintained. Pedestrian access is also a priority, with contractors instructed to work on only one side of the street at a time to ensure walkways remain open. Bus routes traversing the intersection will also experience impacts, which will be communicated as details become available.