Saint Paul Police Department Announces Second Phase of Traffic Management Plan for City During RNC
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (August 11, 2008) – The Saint Paul Police Department and the City of Saint Paul today released the second phase of the traffic management plan for the Republican National Convention (RNC). The plan outlines an area immediately surrounding Xcel Energy Center where vehicles and bikes will be restricted. The plan will go into effect starting after the evening rush hour on Friday, August 29, and will end by Saturday, September 6.
The second phase of the plan includes the following additional information:
• St. Peter Street: Will be open; no parking, stopping or standing will be allowed
• Chestnut Street: Southbound lane will be open
• 10th and 11th streets: Will be open; no parking will be allowed
Detour routes will be well-marked to help move traffic throughout the area. The police department’s plan ensures that most major access roads to Saint Paul – including Interstates 94 and 35E, Wabasha and Robert streets, and Shepard Road – will remain open.
“This plan is designed to help us provide top security for the RNC while also ensuring that the city remains open for business during the convention,” said Matt Bostrom, assistant Saint Paul police chief, representing the lead public safety organization for the convention. “We are committed to providing as much information as possible to the people who live, work, and do business in Saint Paul as it becomes available.”
City officials have been meeting with Saint Paul residents to help answer questions and address their concerns. They are also working with businesses in the immediate area to discuss issues and help them work out plans for delivery access during the convention. Community meetings will also be held today from 6-7 p.m., and on Wednesday, August 13, from 8-9 a.m. in room 40 of Saint Paul City Hall to provide more information to the public.
Alternative transportation The Saint Paul Police Department is committed to helping residents and employees who work downtown get in and out of the area during the convention. The city and police department are providing information on alternative routes and transportation during the RNC.
“The City of Saint Paul has invested a lot of time and effort into planning for the convention to meet the needs of convention-goers and those who live and work in downtown Saint Paul,” said John Maczko, city engineer. “We encourage residents and employees who work downtown to carpool, bike, or take public transportation if possible during the convention to help ease traffic pressure.”
More details about alternate transportation are available on www.smart-trips.org, www.metrotransit.org, or by calling 612-373-3333. Bus detour routes around the convention center will be available at www.metrotransit.org. Following are tips to avoid traveling on Kellogg Boulevard during the convention.
• If you’re traveling east on 94, take 10th or 7th St. exits.
• If you’re traveling south on 35E, take 10th St./Wacouta St. or University Ave./Capitol exits.
• If you’re traveling north on 35E, take Shepard Rd. or 11th St./Capitol exits.
• From 94 heading west, take Kellogg Blvd./Mounds Blvd. or Hwy. 52/6th St. exits.
• From the southwest, take 494 east to Hwy. 5, which turns into 7th St. Follow detour signs.
• Heading east on 494, take 35E north to the Shepard Rd. or 7th St. exits.
• Heading east on Hwy. 62, take Hwy. 55 south to Hwy. 5 east, which turns into 7th St.
• From the south, take Hwy. 52 north to the 7th St. exit., follow detour signs
• From the southeast, take Hwy. 10/61 north to Warner Rd. west and go right on Sibley St
