Residents and commuters who frequent Louisiana Avenue are in for summer and fall of detours and construction noise. On June 30, Park Construction kicked off the first phase of the long-awaited improvements along Louisiana Avenue. The thoroughfare is closed to through traffic from Fire Station #2 north of Cedar Lake Road up to Wayzata Boulevard, a closure that's expected to last until November 2025, according to a statement released by the St. Louis Park, MN. Motorists will need to follow the posted detours, and residents on Louisiana Avenue will have access maintained to their properties during the work.
In this initial phase, which spans from the Fire Station to 18th Street and is dubbed Phase A, the contractor began by demolishing street pavement, curbs, and other infrastructure. Starting from the week of July 7, once any temporary water systems are tested and approved, the plan involves replacing the water main. The city noted that after the road closure, traffic was observed spilling into adjacent residential streets, leading to the addition of more road signs. In response to these developments, project staff will continue keeping an eye on traffic, adjusting controls as necessary, and also deploying a vehicle feedback sign to remind folks of the 20 mph speed limit on the adjacent residential streets.
For those living along the project's path, it's time to clear out any personal enhancements within 15 feet of the curb. Sprinklers, electrical wiring, perennial gardens, or invisible fences in the public right of way are on borrowed time. "Removal and reinstallation of these items are the responsibility of the property owner," the city's statement read, urging homeowners to act swiftly to avoid damage for which they would be liable.
While Mother Earth gets a facelift on Louisiana Avenue, private utility companies will also get in on the act. Throughout the project's timeline, these companies will be relocating their services. Residents and curious onlookers hoping for more insight into what the rest of the construction season holds can view the 2025 Louisiana Avenue Improvements Newsletter or visit the dedicated project website for updates. The city extends its apologies for the disruption and seeks the public's understanding and cooperation as it works to improve the infrastructure.
