Major Utility Work to Impact Soldiers Field Park Starting Friday

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A major utility project that began two years ago is about to have a significant impact on Soldiers Field Memorial Park in Rochester.

City Officials today announced that work is scheduled to commence on Friday in the park as the multi-year project to construct a large underground utility duct bank to connect a power substation just off Marion Road Southeast to downtown Rochester moves into its next phase. It's a joint project of Rochester Public Utilities and Rochester Public Works.

The Rochester Parks and Recreation Department says no park amenities will be closed and they expect only minor disruptions during the project, but some road and trail sections will be affected.

The pedestrian bridge over the Zumbro River has already been removed from the park path at the entrance to the park along South Broadway near 9th Street. The bridge is expected to be replaced early next year and a pedestrian detour currently provides access through a temporary path to an alternate river crossing.

Beginning Friday, there will be a lane shift involving the south end of Soldiers Field Drive right connects to the East Lot. The Park Department says two lanes of traffic will be maintained but the lanes will be narrow and parking will be reduced in the construction area. The lane shift is expected to remain in place for about a month. Another lane shift will also be necessary later in the project, but the date of its implementation has yet to be determined.

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On August 5th, city officials are planning to close a number of roads in and adjacent to Soldiers Field Park.

• 2nd Avenue south of 6th Street Southwest
• 7th Street SW east of 3rd Avenue
• Soldiers Field Drive from 7th Street SW to approximately 600 feet south of the intersection.

At that point, a detour will be established to reach the East Lot, which serves the golf course and the aquatics center. It will involve a temporary connector road between 1st Avenue SW and Soldiers Field Drive. That detour is expected to be needed for about six weeks.