Residents and commuters in Louisiana Avenue area, gear up for significant changes to your daily routes starting June 30. The thoroughfare is set to be closed to through traffic, a disruption expected to last until November 2025. This closure is a part of the ongoing street and utility improvements, dividing the project into two phases. Phase A, stretching from Fire Station to 18th Street, is currently under construction, and the subsequent Phase B, from 18th Street to Wayzata Blvd, is slated to commence activities in August.
The project has indeed made strides since its inception, last week saw the removal of street pavement, curb, driveways, and topsoil, as well as progress on the temporary water system the contractor is also dedicating efforts to replacing the sanitary sewer main and if said water system passes the litany of required tests, two utility crews will jump into the fray this week focusing on installing the watermain and water services; tasks that promise to extend over multiple weeks. In the week of July 21, the watermain replacement will press on, and trail work starting on Hampshire Avenue and 22nd Street is on the cards.
An important note to residents with private improvements located within the public right of way—be it underground sprinklers, electric wiring, perennial gardens, or invisible fences within 15 feet of the curb—removal and reinstallation rest on your shoulders. The responsibility to relocate any such items to avoid damage during construction falls to property owners. The project coordinator stands ready for any queries. In parallel, private utility companies are expected to be relocating their services throughout the project's duration, so expect to see them at work in the area too.
To mitigate confusion, the local administration has advised utilizing the posted detour routes and has vowed to work closely with residents living on Louisiana Avenue to maintain access to their properties amidst the construction. For a comprehensive idea of what the construction entails and what to expect, the community has access to a detailed newsletter as well as a dedicated project website where regular updates and relevant information are posted. The City of St. Louis Park extends its apologies for any inconvenience the construction may cause and appreciates the public's cooperation and understanding as it marches forward in improving the neighborhood's streets and utilities.
