Elton Hills Drive Proposal on Rochester City Council Agenda
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester City Council will be presented Monday afternoon with the results of a study requested by the council concerning possible changes to Elton Hills Drive Northwest.
City staff is recommending a so-called “road diet” for the four-lane roadway connecting North Broadway and Highway 52 at the 19th Street interchange. The report to the City Council argues for reducing the number of traffic lanes to a single lane in each direction, with a shared middle lane for left turns, dedicated bike lanes, and one-side parking but also lists a number of other options that could be implemented to slow speed and improve safety.
The possibility of reducing the number of traffic lanes has been controversial. It triggered the formation of a grass-roots citizen’s group opposed to the plan and a recent public input meeting on the staff study and its recommendation attracted almost 250 Rochester residents. The report suggests the City Council could schedule a public hearing next month before taking a formal vote on the issue.