What Businesses Need to Know About the Central Corridor LRT

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The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit line is coming!

What does it mean for your business?

When does construction begin?

Most construction activity will begin in late summer 2010 and end in 2013.  Some minor roadway construction/paving may continue to 2014.  Some utility relocation construction will start as early as July 2009 on Fourth Street in downtown St. Paul.

Where does it start, when will it reach me?

The project will be done in phases so you will not be affected for the entire period.  While a construction schedule will not be available until after bids are received in 2010, you can expect to know at least 1-2 months in advance of work in your area so you can plan for your customers, deliveries and employees.  As much notice as possible will be provided to businesses, recognizing that the contractor will be responsible for managing the schedule under the guidance of the Central Corridor Project Office. You will receive frequent communication about changes to the schedule, which is subject to change due to weather, equipment problems, and other un-expected issues.

How will my customers reach me?

General signage will direct customers to businesses and even during heavy construction the project will try to maintain a path to your door.  Access may be temporarily disrupted depending on construction; Central Corridor Project Office will work with individual businesses on a case by case basis to minimize impact. The Central Corridor Partnership is leading a marketing campaign aimed at supporting businesses in the corridor. To help prepare, we encourage you to begin asking customers now for their mail and email addresses so you can provide them with updates.

Will emergency vehicles be able to get to my business?

Emergency access for fire, ambulance and police will be maintained at all times.

How will I get deliveries?

You will be able to receive deliveries and have parcels picked up throughout the construction process.  Construction phasing details will by known in 2010.  Central Corridor Project Office will work with you to develop a plan that ensures you get deliveries prior to actual construction on your block.  For businesses that do not have off-street loading, deliveries may need to be scheduled at non-peak traffic times.

What happens to on-street parking?

There will be some parking on the street after construction is complete, but many spaces will be eliminated.  During heavy construction most University Ave on-street parking will not be available. The City of St. Paul is meeting with businesses this summer to develop specific parking plans for the corridor.  This may include shared parking, meters, better use of existing parking areas and other ideas.

Will the entire street and sidewalks be re-built?

The street surface, curbs and sidewalks will be torn out and reconstructed, but the roadbed is in good condition and won’t have to be replaced, shortening the construction time and reducing costs.  Existing street lighting will be re-installed along with new lighting at the stations to make the area safe.

Will my utilities be cut-off during construction?

There may be short disruptions in your utility service (electric, water, gas, phone) during construction but you will be notified in advance and have time to plan.  The Central Corridor Project Office is working with utility companies to coordinate construction and minimize these disruptions as much as possible.

How can I keep my customers and attract new customers?

The Business Advisory Council and Central Corridor Partnership are developing marketing programs to help businesses by bringing new customers to the area, including project staff and construction workers, organizing joint advertising, and other activities to help you retain existing customers and attract new ones.  In addition other organizations have been working on plans to highlight specific areas or industries affected by the project.  U7 is a collaboration of community development corporations with a mission to help strengthen existing small businesses along University Avenue before, during and after the construction will have Small Business Consultants, a wide variety of business professionals (consultants, volunteers and interns) available to help small business owners with marketing, financing and access to other resources, etc.  A significant focus of U7’s work will be on helping individual business owners on strategies to maintain and grow their customer base. More information will be available in the future.

Are there resources to help me prepare for construction?

Several community organizations and local banks are looking at providing one-on-one help with marketing, finance, and other issues as well as loans to businesses along University Avenue.  The U7 collaborative will be offering technical assistance and flexible loans to help business and property owners manage cash flow and implement plans to improve their businesses and properties.

Your Outreach Coordinator can connect you to the right resources as they become available.

How can I make sure my concerns are heard now and during construction?

Get to know the Outreach Coordinator designated for your area.  This should be your first point of contact with questions and problems.  They will work with you on everything from communicating construction schedules, maintaining access to your building and connecting you to marketing and financial assistance programs.  During construction, weekly updates will be available in several formats to keep you informed about what is occurring.

Get to know your Central Corridor LRT Outreach Coordinator

These people are dedicated specifically to understanding the project and its impact on the corridor.  They will work one-on-one with you through all phases of the project including providing construction updates, listening to concerns, resolving issues, and responding to construction related emergencies.

West and East Bank

I have other questions.  Where can I find answers?

The Central Corridor LRT planners want to hear from you!  Call them at 651-602-1645 or email centralcorridor@metc.state.mn.us.  Check the website for frequent updates.

www.centralcorridor.org

Created July, 2009


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