In May 2015 Ramsey County was awarded $5.6 million in federal funding to reconstruct the Dale Street (County Road 53) bridge over I-94 in Saint Paul. Ramsey County Public Works has also assigned about $1.5 million in local matching funds. Construction is anticipated to begin in the 2018 season. The volume of automobile and pedestrian traffic has outgrown the bridge’s original 1961 design and a subsequent expansion in 1983.
Preliminary engineering
The project is currently in the conceptual phase. Preliminary Engineering work begins in 2016. The plan calls for Dale Street to be repaved between Central and University avenues. The new concept widens the bridge and includes reconfigured through lanes and left turn lanes to accommodate higher traffic volumes and facilitate better traffic flow. This will help prevent backups on either side of the bridge that have become commonplace at peak travel times. The concept also adds a shoulder in each travel direction and widens sidewalks to provide safer, more expedient passage for pedestrians and bicyclists in all seasons.
Community engagement
Robust public involvement has been an integral part of the process leading to the funding award and will continue throughout Preliminary Engineering and construction. The District Councils Collaborative has been the primary partner to Ramsey County on facilitating community engagement and education as the project progresses.
Contact
Erin Laberee, P.E., Project Manager
651-266-7105
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