Pelham Blvd reconstruction: closures and detours start on St. Paul’s east side (2026)

St. Paul’s Pelham Boulevard Reconstruction project is entering its next phase of summer construction, and the city says drivers should expect new posted street closures, detours, and parking restrictions in the work zone.

The City of Saint Paul is reconstructing Pelham Boulevard from Mississippi River Boulevard to Franklin Avenue in 2026. The city says the work will replace underground utilities and update sidewalks, street surface, curbs, lighting, and pedestrian ramps, add an off-street bikeway at sidewalk level, and remove the flexible white posts currently in the roadway.

On funding, the city says a portion of the reconstruction will be paid for by Common Cent, a 1% local option sales tax approved by Saint Paul voters in November 2023. The city also says another portion will be funded through assessments to property owners adjacent to the project.

What the city says is starting now on Pelham (July 10 update)

In the City’s July 10 project update, Public Works listed the following traffic impacts:

The intersection of Otis Avenue and Pelham Boulevard will be closed to all directions of traffic on 7/10.
Desnoyer Avenue will be closed at Pelham Boulevard starting 7/10 until further notice.
Pelham Boulevard remains closed to thru traffic between Mississippi River Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.
Mississippi River Boulevard will be closed at Pelham Boulevard.
Parking will not be allowed within the construction area.

The city also says the current week’s removals (July 6–July 10) include removals on Pelham Boulevard from Mississippi River Boulevard to Beverly Road and removals on Mississippi River Boulevard, with removals stopping at Beverly Road as of 7/10.

Homes on Pelham between Beverly Road and Otis Avenue are expected to continue to have access, but the city warns residents should expect disruption and use caution when navigating active work.

Detours and where drivers are directed to cross Pelham

For traffic trying to cross Pelham while the Otis and Desnoyer closures are in place, the city says traffic should use Beverly Road, Doane Avenue, and St. Anthony Avenue.

For the broader detour routing, the city says to follow detour streets including Franklin Avenue, University Avenue, Vandalia Street/Cretin Avenue, and Marshall Avenue. The city notes bike, pedestrian, and driver detours will be posted according to the detour maps, and they may change throughout the project.

Utility work week: sanitary sewer begins July 13

Looking ahead to next week, Saint Paul says sanitary sewer work will begin in the July 13–July 17 window. The city says crews will start at the intersection of Mississippi River Boulevard and continue working northbound toward Otis Ave to Beverly Road.

Vandalia bridge-related traffic restriction remains in place

Alongside the Pelham reconstruction schedule, Public Works also reported bridge-related traffic limits. The city says crews completed skimming work along Vandalia Street on June 26, 2026, and discovered an area that requires additional repairs along the bridge.

The city says it is evaluating repair options and that—out of caution—bridge traffic is temporarily restricted to one lane in each direction until the repairs are completed. The city adds that a timeline for the repairs has not yet been determined.

Where to check updates next

The city says it will provide weekly project updates on Fridays. It also says project staff plan to host in-person, weather-permitting meetings at Desnoyer Park on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning June 24, and will continue answering questions by phone or email throughout construction.

Drivers who live or work near Pelham should also treat the parking and routing rules as part of the posted construction guidance and re-check maps as detours and work phases change.

Sources

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