A sign located at Snelling Avenue indicates the detour route for Hamline Avenue as construction begins. Credit: Max Jasper/The Roseville Reporter
An undetected Xcel energy gas main cannot be relocated until early next year
By Max Jasper
The cities of Roseville and Arden Hills along with Ramsey County have delayed Phase 1 of the Hamline Avenue Reconstruction Project until 2027.
Following the start of construction, construction crews identified an unforeseen underground utility conflict involving a critical 12-inch Xcel Energy natural gas main beneath the roadway. The gas main cannot be relocated until early 2027, preventing the roadway work from being completed safely this construction season.
Crews began work June 23, installing temporary traffic control and erosion control before starting structure removals and minor grading. The project will resurface the roadway and add new pedestrian pathways between County Road C and Snelling Avenue.
Stay tuned for further updates to the construction timeline.
Project divided into two phases
Phase 1, from County Road C to Lydia Avenue, includes full depth roadway reclamation, a new shared use path on the west side of Hamline and a sidewalk connection to Autumn Grove Park.
Phase 2 will continue the resurfacing north to Snelling Avenue and add new pathways on both sides of the roadway between Snelling and Lydia Avenues. A new water main will also be installed from Josephine and Glenhill Roads. Phase 2 is expected to begin in spring 2027 and conclude by July 1. All dates are subject to change.
City engineers say combining resurfacing, pathway construction and water main replacement will reduce the length of closures and avoid reopening the roadway for separate projects. No permanent easements are expected, though temporary easements were required for grading work.
The project is funded through a mix of Municipal State Aid dollars from Roseville and Arden Hills, Ramsey County wheelage and regional sales tax revenue and city utility funds. Property owners will not be assessed.
Visit the City of Roseville website to learn more about the Hamline Avenue Project.
