Major West St. Paul Intersection Closing May 27 For Full Rebuild

WEST ST. PAUL, MN — A full closure of the Smith Avenue and Dodd Road intersection is set to begin Tuesday, May 27, kicking off a major construction project aimed at improving safety and accessibility in the area.

The Smith Ave/Dodd Rd Intersection Improvements Project will unfold in two phases:

• Phase one (2025): Roadway reconstruction, safety upgrades, and utility improvements
• Phase two (2026): Construction of a public plaza and a memorial honoring fallen Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick

What’s Included in Phase One?

• Full reconstruction of Smith Avenue, Dodd Road, and Bernard Street
• Permanent closure of the Dodd Road segment between Smith Avenue and Bernard Street
• Realignment of Dodd Road into two safer "T" intersections
• New traffic signal at the intersection
• Pedestrian-activated crosswalk with flashing beacon at Smith Avenue and Bernard Street
• New sidewalks and improved Metro Transit bus stops
• Stormwater treatment enhancements
• Upgrades to public utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main)
• Underground relocation of existing overhead private utilities

Construction Timeline (Subject to Weather):

• April 2025: Private underground utility work begins
• Late May: Full intersection closure; pavement removals begin
• June: Water main and storm sewer installation
• July–August: Turf establishment and site restoration
• August–September: Concrete curb, gutter, and sidewalks poured
• September: Bituminous paving and new traffic signal installed
• September: Intersection reopens to traffic

Traffic Impacts

Detour routes will be in place during the full closure, which is expected to last through September 2025:

• Regional Detour: Highway 62, I-35E, and Highway 13
• Local Detour: Annapolis Street, Charlton Street, and Butler Avenue

Despite the closure, access to local businesses will be maintained, officials said.

Who’s Doing the Work?

The project contract was awarded to McNamara Contracting, Inc. Construction was funded in part by federal dollars secured by the city of West St. Paul.