City takes lead on West Seventh transit planning; officials discuss bus rapid transit, dedicated right‑of‑way and turnback conditions

St. Paul City Council Organization and Policy Committee members outlined plans and a fast timeline for a retooled West Seventh transit project, telling the committee the city is taking the lead on a preliminary bus rapid transit proposal that could use both West Seventh and an off‑street rail spur.

Council President Naker and other council members said the Riverview Corridor process (the county‑led effort that paused last year) has been replaced in part by a "West Seventh" planning process. They described a preliminary BRT proposal that would sometimes use dedicated lanes, sometimes share lanes, and at times use the CP rail spur. City leaders said early engagement events are under way this week.

"We would only accept a turn back such as that if there's work done on the road to bring it up to pristine condition before we would take it on," Council President Naker said, referring to negotiations with MnDOT over a possible turnback of Highway 5 (West Seventh) to city maintenance. Naker and other members said the city will insist that any turnback occurs only after reconstruction brings the corridor up to a standard the city will accept.

Council members emphasized urgency because MnDOT has a planned mill‑and‑overlay or reconstruction on West Seventh in the next several years. Several members described the current situation as one in which other maintenance — tree plantings, sidewalks and smaller investments — has been postponed while agencies expected the transit project to proceed, leaving neighborhoods with deferred maintenance.

Council Member Provatsky said she welcomed an upfront conversation about dedicated right‑of‑way: "I particularly appreciate the fact that dedicated right of way is an upfront discussion about this project," she said, adding that an off‑street trail along the rail spur would create a "unique opportunity" for walking and biking connections.

Officials said the revised process does not require federal funds, which city leaders called important in light of uncertainty about federal support. Council members also noted that the corridor extends beyond St. Paul — earlier Riverview planning included Bloomington and Ramsey County participation — and that the city must coordinate with MnDOT, the county and Met Council on decision‑making and station area planning. Several councilors requested clearer governance (advisory committees and technical groups) for decision points as the project advances.

Community reaction reported to council members was mixed but generally eager for progress: some residents were "confused and frustrated" when the previous county process ended abruptly, council members said, but several neighborhood groups have urged investment, pedestrian improvements and beautification along West Seventh. Staff and councilors said there will be virtual and in‑person engagement events over the week to solicit feedback.

The committee did not take formal action on the project. Council leaders said staff and partner agencies will continue outreach and that the city will return with additional details about roles, schedules and funding options.