New Park And Ride Planned For NW Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Work is underway on what is expected to be a new park and ride on the north side of Rochester.

The City Council has approved a Public Works Dept. proposal to begin the process of acquiring the property for the operation from MnDOT. The MnDOT site is located on the southwest quadrant of the 75th St / Hwy 52 interchange.

Plans for the project stalled when funds were left out of the city’s 2020 construction budget. Design work is expected to continue this year and funds will be sought in next year’s budget. The estimated cost is $2-million.

Supporters say the operation would lessen the pressure on the park and ride site at the former IBM campus which the city says “is constantly overfilled.” The city leases 667 parking stalls at that site and it’s believed at least 60% of the users drive from locations north of Rochester. Staff says those users “would potentially use the new site.”

News update: Charges have been filed against a Chatfield man who caused a traffic wreck that nearly killed a young girl and left her facing extensive rehabilitation.