The feasibility study for the Robert Street Corridor was completed in November 2008. From that study a long-term plan for the corridor was created. This plan is not final, but establishes a starting point for the process. The long-term plan includes:
- Transitway from downtown St. Paul to Rosemount – a mode of transit has not yet been determined and route will continue to be evaluated
- Possible streetcar on Robert Street
- A transportation option to UMore Park
- Transit options for the growing areas of Inver Grove Heights and Eagan – this includes east-west routes, Highway 55 and 52 express routes
From 2010 through 2012, the county will be reviewing the transit alternatives to determine which makes the most sense for the corridor. Below is a potential timeline moving forward for planning of the Robert Street Corridor.
- 2010-2012: Alternatives Analysis Study – Review of the transit alternatives outlined in the feasibility study to determine which option to pursue.
- 2013-2019: Draft Environmental Impact Statement – Evaluation of the environmental impacts of the chosen transit option.
- 2015 - 2016: Preliminary and Final Design process – Identification of roadway improvements, streetscaping, business and street access, transit stations and stops and more.
- 2017: Potentially Begin Construction
While decisions about new transit options along the Robert Street Corridor are not expected for a few years, there are ongoing efforts to improve the current transit service. Proposed improvements include:
- A transit center near the county’s Northern Service Center in West St. Paul
- A limited stop bus route on Robert Street from downtown St. Paul to both Thomson Reuters and Inver Hills Community College
- A plan for a park and ride facility near Thomson Reuters