MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Downtown Saint Paul Traffic Changes Begin as Lowertown Floodwall Construction Advances

SAINT PAUL, MN (August 24, 2026) Drivers, pedestrians and downtown businesses should prepare for changing traffic patterns as construction advances on Saint Paul’s Lowertown Floodwall Project and several related infrastructure projects.

Beginning Monday, August 24, Eagle Parkway between Shepard Road and Chestnut Street is scheduled to operate with one lane in each direction while Xcel Energy performs electrical work.

Jackson Street immediately north of University Avenue is also closed at University Avenue for sewer construction.

Additional changes are scheduled later in the week. On Thursday, August 27, Jackson Street between Kellogg Boulevard and Shepard Road is expected to reopen with one southbound lane connecting motorists to eastbound Shepard Road. Access to properties in the construction area will continue to be maintained.

Westbound Shepard Road between Jackson Street and Eagle Parkway is expected to remain closed through December 31 because of Xcel Energy work near Eagle Parkway and Shepard Road.

More weekend restrictions are scheduled from Friday, August 28, through Monday, August 31. East Seventh Street is expected to close between Payne Avenue and Lafayette Street, while the northbound Highway 52 ramp to East Seventh Street will also be closed. Jackson Street between Seventh Street and Seventh Place is scheduled to close August 29 and 30.

The Lowertown Floodwall Project is a multiyear initiative intended to strengthen flood protection for downtown Saint Paul’s transportation systems, public utilities, businesses and surrounding properties.

Work includes rehabilitating and elevating the Lowertown pump station and installing a permanent deployable flood-protection system. The system is designed to replace the temporary berms and sandbags the city has traditionally used during periods of elevated Mississippi River water.

The city says the completed system is intended to provide protection to the elevation associated with a 100-year flood, plus additional freeboard. Construction is expected to continue through 2028.

Businesses and properties within the construction area will remain accessible, but routes may change as work progresses. Travelers should follow posted signs, avoid moving barricades and allow additional time when entering or leaving downtown.

Construction schedules and traffic restrictions remain dependent on weather and contractor progress.

Project information and updated traffic notices are available through the City of Saint Paul Lowertown Floodwall Project page.

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