Why is there no road directly linking downtown St Paul and Minneapolis ? (university)

[jaygrant]

I know this may be a weird question to ask but I noticed it while studying google maps of the twin cities. What I mean by this question is why is there no major city street that begins in the heart of Downtown St Paul and ends in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. I realize I 94 does this job but that's a major interstate highway. Why not give the option to avoid highway travel. I know University Ave does link both cites but it doesn't travel directly into the downtown districts, it takes you a few blocks away from them.
I think a major non highway street that directly links both downtown areas would be a benefit to the area. I've attached a screenshot shot of a map to show what I mean. The blue line is an example of what I mean.
As I typed this post the more I thought about it and it could really be an asset to the area because not only would it link the cities it could be really wide and tree lined with shopping dinning and entertainment on it as well. It would be like the Twin cities version of the Champs-Élysées. I know it sounds little crazy but it's just a thought.

[Yosh01]

Traditionally, it was University Ave.

[paiste13]

both downtowns developed differently at different times and university avenue was supposed to connect them.

you're going to like this fact:

you can't go west on 94 from 35E.

[wamer27]

Originally Posted by paiste13

both downtowns developed differently at different times and university avenue was supposed to connect them.

you're going to like this fact:

you can't go west on 94 from 35E.

Correct, that is odd and can become annoying. Ayd Mill Road is used for this, but it was there long before 35E existed. Going north on Snelling Ave (it’s a divided highway) you can’t go east on 694 either.