St. Paul Continues to Explore Transit Options Along West 7th / Riverview Corridor
The City of St. Paul continues to explore options for bus rapid transit along the Riverview Corridor, working alongside partners at Metro Transit, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Ramsey County and others.
Following the county’s decision to end its study into a proposed streetcar project–which would have traveled down West 7th Street, from downtown St. Paul to the airport and Mall of America–partners remain committed to identifying the best options for connections along the busy West 7th/Riverview Corridor.
“We have heard loud and clear from our residents that improvements along West 7th Street are critical for the future vitality of this corridor,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “This is a major commercial thoroughfare in our city, and improvements will ensure efficient public transit and safer conditions for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”
Chief Resilience Officer Russ Stark said the corridor makes vital transit connections between key regional economic development drivers, while also holding the promise of continued reinvestment in and revitalization of West 7th Street in St. Paul.
“Our neighbors on West 7th are eager for a long overdue transit upgrade,” said Ward 3 Councilmember Saura Jost. “They’ve been thoughtful and engaged on the topic of Riverview Corridor and West 7th’s future, and above all, they’ve been patient. St. Paul is ready to honor that engagement and patience with urgency as we move toward an exciting new future for one of our city’s finest streets.”
“We must move forward with urgency to build a safer, greener, and more vibrant transit corridor along West 7th Street,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Rebecca Noecker. “I’m looking forward to a renewed process that is transparent, efficient, and accountable to the community.”
“We appreciate and acknowledge the leadership by Ramsey County in working with the community to produce a foundation of work from which we can develop transit solutions for the Riverview Corridor that will move the entire region forward,” Stark said. “We look forward to reaching a shared vision that brings major transit investments to the East Metro that result in increased prosperity, equity, and mobility for everyone.”
A community engagement process regarding concepts for improvements to the Riverview Corridor is expected to commence in early 2025.
