As part of West St. Paul’s commitment to becoming a more walkable and bikeable community, several major sidewalk and trail projects are planned over the next two years to improve safety and connectivity across the city.
In 2026 a concrete sidewalk will be constructed on the south side of Emerson Avenue from Delaware Avenue to Robert Street, and on the north side of Emerson Avenue from Robert Street to Oakdale Avenue as part of a larger street project. This has been a long-awaited critical east-west connection tying the city together.
In 2027 as part of Dakota County’s Delaware Avenue reconstruction, an asphalt trail will be constructed on the west side (Mendota Heights side) of Delaware Avenue from Dodd Road to Marie Avenue. As part of the same project a concrete sidewalk will be added on the north side of Butler Avenue from Delaware Avenue to Smith Avenue and an asphalt trail on the south side from Delaware Avenue to Manomin Avenue.
Lothenbach Avenue will be getting a concrete sidewalk on the south side from Robert Street to Oakdale Avenue in 2027 as part of that street reconstruction project.
The City, in collaboration with Dakota County, has taken the lead on design of an asphalt trail along the south side of Wentworth Avenue from Robert Street to Oakdale Avenue with construction currently scheduled for 2027.
In total the city and county are making investments over the next two years to add 4.5 miles of new trails and sidewalk for the residents of West St. Paul to enjoy.
Local resident, and founder of the annual West St. Paul Rider, Kevin Hendricks shared his thoughts on bike and pedestrian facilities in the city, “I love biking—the exercise, the mental reset, the connection to my community. But you need safe places to bike. Sharing the road isn’t always safe, and many people won’t do it. Adding new trails makes biking safer and more accessible. West St. Paul has made great improvements, but there’s still work to be done.”
Stay tuned about upcoming projects and sign up for updates on our website at wspmn.gov/projects.