Rice Street Reconstruction

Ramsey County, in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, is reconstructing Rice Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Wheelock Parkway from 2025 to 2027. Construction will take place in three phases.

• Phase One (Spring 2025-Fall 2025): Wheelock to the north side of Maryland Avenue
• ​Phase Two (Spring 2026-Fall 2026): Maryland Avenue to the north side of the Manitoba Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue intersection 
• Phase Three (Spring 2027-Fall 2027): Manitoba Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue 

This project is a full roadway reconstruction that will reduce the road from four lanes to three lanes with a center turn lane. The project will also add a ten-foot shared use path on the west side of Rice St. 

The project will also include ADA improvements, improved transit stations, shorter pedestrian crossings at intersections, enhanced drainage and additional snow storage, and bridge rehabilitation and reconstruction. 

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Goals

• Promote economic growth and community investment while maintaining and providing business opportunities.
• Create an inviting environment.
• Enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
• Maintain and augment transit service.
• Continue to increase vehicle safety.

Timeline​ 

• August
  • Wheelock Parkway to Arlington Avenue 
    • Sidewalk and Trail installation continues. 
    • Transit Platform work continues. 
    • Restoration work continues.  
  • Arlington Avenue to Cottage Avenue 
    • Business access will be maintained, follow business access detour signs and instructions from workers.  
    • Pavement removal will begin.  
    • Removal and installation of water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer begins.  
  • Cottage Avenue to Maryland Avenue  
    • Rehab of the bridge over the railway continues.   
    • Removal and installation of water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer is ongoing.   
• September
  • Wheelock Parkway to Arlington Avenue  
    • Restoration work continues.   
  • Arlington Avenue to Cottage Avenue  
    • Business access will be maintained, follow business access detour signs and instructions from workers.   
    • Grading of roadway surface begins.  
    • Pouring of curb and gutter begins.  
    • Paving of roadway surface begins.  
  • Cottage Avenue to Maryland Avenue   
    • Rehab of the bridge over the railway continues.    
    • Pouring of curb and gutter begins.  
    • Paving of roadway surface begins.  
• October
  • Wheelock Parkway to Arlington Avenue
    • Restoration work continues.    
  • Arlington Avenue to Cottage Avenue   
    • Business access will be maintained, follow business access detour signs and instructions from workers.    
    • Sidewalk and Trail installation begins. 
    • Restoration work begins.  
  • Cottage Avenue to Maryland Avenue    
    • Rehab of the bridge over the railway continues.     
    • Sidewalk and Trail installation begins. 
    • Restoration work begins.  

Traffic Impacts

• The Arlington Avenue intersection will be closed Friday, August 8 for an emergency repair. This closure will last one day. To access local business use Park Street, Albemarle Street, Cottage Avenue, and alleyways.  
• Wheelock Parkway is open for east and westbound traffic.  
• Rice Street closed from Arlington Avenue to Wheelock Parkway.     
• Rice Street closed from Maryland Avenue to Cottage Avenue.   
• Please use local streets and posted detours to access Rice Street businesses. We appreciate your continued support.   
• Route 62 and 61 bus detours will be in place. Learn more at Metro Transit

Detour

Project Area