Commuting in downtown St. Paul will get tougher starting today when the St. Paul Public Works Department begins a $12 million makeover of a few block segment of Kellogg Blvd.

It's been 80 years since the main thoroughfare made up of several complex and relatively unknown bridges was built, and now many of those bridges are deficient. Some are rated among St. Paul's 10 most deficient city-owned bridges.

The facelift will give the street a new look between Market Street and Wabasha Street, and result in the closure of Kellogg Blvd. until November. Additionally, the southbound lanes on the Wabasha Bridge, and the northbound lanes of the Exchange Street viaduct will be shut down for the duration of the project, the department said.

During the closure, motorists will be directed to use 7th Street and Robert Street.

Local access to parking facilities and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.

At the same time, Ramsey County is planning to start tearing down the former Adult Detention Center and Government Center West buildings, which are located adjacent to the project area.

For more information visit www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg.