Snelling and University is the busiest intersection in St. Paul, according to a study by St. Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development. The study explored the options for possibly expanding capacity at the intersection, which is an Environmental Protection Agency hot spot because of the heavy traffic.

Three main solutions were presented in the study: move turns away from the intersection, make it a one-way pair (eastbound traffic would be diverted south one street), or have north-south traffic pass underneath University.

The study did not recommend one solution above the others and said that the intersection could stay as it is, but that any decision ideally should be made before the light rail designs are completed for the central corridor down University. The study assumes that the LRT will proceed as proposed down University. Allen Lovejoy, with St. Paul PED, said, “LRT would have minimal impact.