Parking Out, Roundabout & Bike Lanes In for Proposed Rochester Street Redesign

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council voted to move forward on a design for a street reconstruction project Monday night. 

See Also: Rochester Votes to Pave Way for Mayo Clinic Expansion 

A preliminary timeline indicates the work could start as soon as 2026. City officials held an open house regarding the project in September and shared four potential designs with attendees and solicited feedback on the designs. 

The city is planning a reconstruction project for East Center Street. The portion of the street targeted for reconstruction runs from the Zumbro River to 11th Ave. Northeast/Southeast. 

Get our free mobile app

Bike Lanes, Roundabout & Elimination of Street Parking Included in Proposed Final Design for Center St. Reconstruction Project in Rochester, MN

The agenda item states those who provided feedback in person and through an online survey supported the three options that included raised bike lanes along the city street. Staff chose to recommend Option 1, which would not require specialized equipment to remove snow from the street.

The proposal would eliminate on-street parking on East Center St. It also calls for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of East Center St. and 11th Ave. Northeast and Southeast.

The preliminary plans also call for the replacement of infrastructure below the street that has been in place since the early 1900’s and the addition of storm sewer and stormwater management facilities.

Crews could also potentially replace lead pipes that lead into the homes along East Center St. 

City officials plan to pursue a state grant to aid in funding the project. The reconstruction project has a price tag of $4.18 million.