Repair and Revitalize Robert Street!
The West Side Community Organization supports the use of State and Federal funds to improve the Robert St viaduct.
What we need
The West Side is one of Saint Paul’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, but also the least invested in. That’s why it’s no surprise that one of the West Side’s most important thoroughfares, Robert Street, is currently rated by MNDot as one of the most deteriorated roads in the metro area. With the right funding, we can redesign Robert Street for increased safety and accessibility, and rebuild the crumbling Robert Street viaduct.
Our community is organized and ready to mobilize for the investments we deserve. We invite you, as our elected representative, to take action with us to ensure that the funding for urgently needed repairs is secured. MNDOT has already submitted a grant proposal to MetCouncil with our support, and now we are partnering with MNDOT to apply for a Federal RAISE grant.
There are two important actions our elected officials can take today: they can write a letter today in support of this Federal RAISE grant, and they can pursue a bonding request from the State to help cover costs of repairing and redesigning Robert Street.
Click here to view a PDF with more information about Robert Street revitalization
The Robert Street Viaduct
The Robert Street viaduct, constructed in 1930, exceeded its 50-year designed life in 1980. It shows significant wear and does not meet current MNDot construction standards.
The viaduct consists of a 2-lane asphalt paved road with steep concrete retaining walls that rise to an elevation more than one hundred feet at the George Street bridge.
The north and south points of the viaduct have limited visibility for pedestrians and drivers, leading to high accident rates in our community.
Why now?
MnDOT is planning limited resurfacing work on Robert Street in 2026 and 2027. Currently, the funded work does not include the more extensive repair and redesign needed. Additional funds would allow MNDOT to repair or replace the viaduct along the same timeline as the planned resurfacing project, saving money overall while minimizing traffic and disruption to our local businesses.
Take action
Contact WSCO Land Use organizer Joshua Toor at [email protected] to learn how you can take action together with your neighbors to make positive changes! Click here to learn more about our Land Use Action Circle
Learn more
"Robert Street is the only 'High Injury Corridor' in the West Side neighborhood, which is why we think safety must be a priority for any upcoming MnDOT project" – Christopher Bower, North Area Engineer, MN Department of Transportation
- The Safe Streets for All: 2023 Saint Paul Transportation Safety Action Plan highlights Robert Street as an area with many accidents and injuries
- West Side Safe Routes to School Plan identifies the need for a number of safety improvements on Robert Street (see pages 27-30).
- Click here to learn more about MNDOT's work on Robert Street