Project background
A number of streets in the Brooklawns, Brookside and Creekside neighborhoods are scheduled for rehabilitation during the 2028 construction season. The project includes street reconstruction, drainage repairs, sidewalks, underground utility work and a new bicycle facility.
The city's Pavement Management Program proactively addresses the condition of the residential streets within the city. The program was developed in 2003 to extend pavement life and enhance system-wide performance in a cost-effective and efficient way by providing the right pavement strategy at the right time. In addition to the street and utility work, the city council has provided city staff with direction to look at all aspects of the neighborhood livability and "living streets" considerations as a part of our transportation projects. As part of the project development, city staff reviewed the street, utilities, fiber, sidewalk network, stormwater runoff, traffic management, and tree preservation.
The 2028 pavement management project is included in the Capital Improvement Program approved by the St. Louis Park City Council. These improvements are proposed to be paid for using city funds; there are no proposed assessments to property owners for this project.
Project scope
The project includes street reconstruction, drainage repairs, sidewalks and underground utility work. The streets selected for reconstruction can be found in the project location section of this webpage.
Street rehabilitation and curb replacement
The streets included in the project will have the pavement surface and curb replaced.
Public utilities
- Watermain within the project area will be replaced. This includes the watermain within the street and the water services from the watermain to the curb box (shut-off valve) located in the boulevard or yard.
- The city will repair existing storm and sanitary sewer structures and pipes as needed.
New sidewalks
Investing in sidewalk infrastructure aligns with the city’s long-term transportation and livability goals, helping create a more connected, walkable and inclusive community.
Existing sidewalk repairs
Existing sidewalks will be repaired as needed to address safety concerns and improve accessibility.
Street width changes
Street widths may be modified to reduce impacts from sidewalk and/or bikeway recommendations, add boulevards to existing sidewalks for tree plantings, to help reduce speeds or other safety benefits, or at community request.
This may create changes to existing parking. If so, all planned changes will be shown at the open house.
How are streets selected for width reductions?
The city evaluates street widths and seeks opportunities for right-sizing where appropriate. Typically, opportunities occur when concrete curbs are being replaced due to underground utility replacement, poor curb condition, drainage improvements or sidewalk installation. When that happens, the city evaluates the existing street width and may consider width reductions on streets wider than necessary for traffic, parking, emergency services and maintenance operations.
Why are street width reductions being considered?
Street width reductions can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved safety: narrower streets reduce pedestrian crossing distances and can help encourage slower vehicle speeds.
- Environmental benefits: less pavement reduces stormwater runoff and can help lessen the urban heat island effect.
- More space for boulevards and trees: wider boulevards provide additional room for snow storage, healthy tree growth and landscaping.
- Lower costs: less pavement reduces both construction and long-term maintenance costs.
When will decisions be made regarding street width reductions?
- Preliminary design does not predetermine final recommendation, which will consider public feedback, operational needs and the factors listed above.
- It is possible that not all street width reductions being evaluated will be recommended or approved for construction. The city council will decide whether to approve proposed street width reductions as part of the council decision and project approval process.
Stormwater treatment
Stormwater treatment improvements are anticipated. The location and type of treatment have not yet been determined.
Private utilities
Private utility companies will replace or install new facilities within the neighborhood in fall 2027 or spring 2028 before city construction begins.
Permit parking
Some locations within the project area have permit parking signage. Staff are recommending removing of the permit parking as part of the reconstruction project.
