2021 road construction and maintenance projects announced
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has approved nearly $30 million in proposed road construction and maintenance projects for the upcoming 2021 season. Ramsey County Public Works will lead or participate in dozens of projects that will improve travel and commerce throughout communities in the east metro and improve safety conditions for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit users.
Most projects will begin in the summer. Updates will be provided online and via an interactive map as construction season progresses — including detours and timelines. Subscriptions for project updates via email and text message are also available.
Major projects
- Reconstruction of Cleveland Avenue between Como and Larpenteur avenues – The $7 million project in Saint Paul and Falcon Heights will include replacing the deteriorating pavement, modifying the road layout and replacing stormwater infrastructure, water main and sewer lines. The new road layout will include one driving lane in each direction, one bike lane in each direction and a multi-use path on the east side of the road to improve safety for all road users.
- Resurfacing of County Road B2 between Fairview and Hamline avenues – In addition to replacing the surface layer of pavement, traffic signals will be replaced at the intersections with Fairview Avenue, the northwest entrance to Rosedale Mall, the Rosedale Commons entrance and American Street. Spot repairs will also be made to the curb and sidewalks.
- Resurfacing of McKnight Road between Burns and Minnehaha avenues – The surface layer of pavement will be replaced in Saint Paul and Maplewood.
- Final phase of Dale Street reconstruction between Iglehart and Concordia avenues – This summer, crews will complete the third and final stage of the Dale Street reconstruction project in Saint Paul. The first two phases were completed in 2020 including replacing and widening the bridge over I-94.
Ramsey County Public Works will resurface about six miles of county roads as part of its 2021 maintenance program. These projects typically include pedestrian crossing, traffic signal and pedestrian curb ramp improvements. Wheelage tax revenues — a $20 charge collected with annual vehicle registration — allow the Public Works department to keep pace with what had been a growing backlog of road segments in pressing need of repair.
Approximately 36% of all vehicle miles traveled in Ramsey County are on roads maintained by the county. Ramsey County's system includes nearly 850 lane miles of county roads, 60 bridges, 400 signal systems, 25 miles of bike lanes, sidewalks, tens of thousands of signs, more than 12,000 drainage structures and related infrastructure.