Repair and Revitalize: Make Robert Street a Destination!
Robert Street runs through the heart of the West Side, connecting us to downtown. As ongoing construction reshapes Robert Street, we’re making sure West Siders are included in decision making. We urgently need investment with accountability to support the economic vitality of our local businesses, reflect the rich culture of our neighborhood, and make streets safer for all.
Background: 100 Years of Underinvestment
The West Side is one of Saint Paul’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods—but with the least investment. That’s why it’s no surprise that one of the West Side’s most important thoroughfares, Robert Street, is currently rated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) as one of the most deteriorated roads in the metro area. Constructed in 1930, the Robert Street Viaduct does not meet current state construction standards and exceeded its 50-year designed life in 1980!
Robert Street is also one of Saint Paul's most dangerous streets. It is among the 11% of roadway miles in Saint Paul that account for 63% of all fatal and injury crashes. WSCO had been working with West Side residents fr years to call attention to the unsafe conditions and the urgent need for reinvestment after nearly 100 years of infrastructure decline.
In 2020, MnDOT announced plans for a major reconstruction of Robert Street all the way from Annapolis Street to Kellogg Boulevard. WSCO has been engaged every step of the way, keeping West Siders informed and making sure our voices are part of the process.
Learn more about our past and current campaign phases below!
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Destination Robert Street campaign
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Robert Street Accountability Taskforce (2025 and beyond) |
Click here to learn more about MNDOT's work on Robert Street
Click here to learn more about our Land Use Action Circle
Contact us at [email protected] to learn how you can take action together with your neighbors to make positive changes!