The final results of the Robert Street Transitway Alternatives study are in, and project staff will present the results and recommendations for next steps in during two open houses next week.
The study has been looking at how to improve transportation along Robert Street and between downtown St. Paul and suburbs in northern Dakota County. Officials had looked at a number of options, and narrowed them down to three.
They include a bus rapid transit line on Robert Street, street car service Robert Street between downtown St. Paul and and Mendota Road in West St. Paul, and a highway bus rapid transit line on Hwy. 52 between downtown St. Paul to Inver Grove Heights.
One estimate predicts that population in the cities of South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Eagan, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake, Lilydale and West St. Paul will grow by 45 percent and the number of jobs will be up by 27 percent by 2030 when compared to 2000.
The study was jointly conducted by the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority and the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority to evaluate potential investments in transit infrastructure and service to meet present and future needs.
Open houses will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. March 10 at the Neighborhood House, 179 Robie Street E., St. Paul and from 4 to 6 p.m. March 12 at the Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 W. Mendota Road, West St. Paul.
