Remake of 6th Avenue through Downtown Rochester Up For Approval

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester City Council will be asked Monday to authorize staff to proceed with an $8.7 million plan to revamp and reconstruct a major north-south traffic corridor through downtown Rochester.

6th Avenue Design Responds to Mayo Expansion

The “Reimagining 6th Avenue West” project has been in the works for several years in response to Mayo Clinic’s $5 billion Bold. Forward. Unbound. expansion project, which included the vacation of 3rd and 4th Avenues between West Center Street and 2nd Street Southwest. According to city documents, the elimination of those north-south routes will make 6th Avenue a “critical multi-modal corridor” for the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Multi-Modal Corridor Planned for Downtown

City staff and a consultant, after gathering public input through dozens of meetings and other events, will present a concept plan for redeveloping 6th Avenue from West Circle Drive to 2nd Street Southwest. The proposal calls for two lanes of traffic, separate bike lanes and wide sidewalks, and wide boulevards for trees and other landscaping. It also includes space for outdoor gatherings, with benches and other seating along the corridor.

Construction Could Begin Next Spring

The proposed timeline calls for construction to begin in the spring of next year. Destination Medical Center funding will pay for the design and construction of the project.

City staff is asking the City Council to adopt the concept plan and authorize preparation of the final design and bid documents. It is anticipated that the city would seek bids late this year or early next year.