A busy downtown St. Paul intersection will close for much of the next year beginning Monday. Here’s what you need to know:

What’s closing? The intersection of Kellogg Boulevard and Jackson Street closes for 18 weeks beginning Monday, Feb. 22, and after that will be partially closed throughout this year’s construction season, according to St. Paul Public Works.

Why is it closing? Jackson Street is getting its first major reconstruction in 50 years beginning in May. Xcel Energy will upgrade gas and electric lines beneath the intersection over the next 10 weeks and then make way for the Jackson project.

What traffic is impacted? About 22,550 vehicles go through that intersection on Kellogg Boulevard every day. About 9,000 pass through it on Jackson on their way down to Shepard Road.

Shepard Road is impacted?! Yes, downtown access to Shepard Road will be restricted by this project. At first, you’ll be able to get down to Shepard if you approach on Kellogg from the west, but eventually the Jackson Street access will be cut off entirely. The city expects to reopen access to Shepard by the end of summer.

How do I get around? Detours will be marked. Kellogg Boulevard drivers went through a similar shutdown most of last year at Wabasha Street, so they already know what alternate paths work best for them. People trying to reach Shepard from Jackson will have to go to Eagle Parkway or elsewhere to reach Shepard.

What’s next with Jackson Street? The $15.5 million reconstruction project will progress northward this year from Shepard Road up to Seventh Place. Next year, construction will continue to 11th Street. When it’s done, Jackson Street will have new utilities, lighting, landscaping and a separated bike lane, the first segment of a developing downtown bike loop. A 135-year-old water main will finally be retired.

Where can I get more info and updates? Go to StPaul.gov/PublicWorks.