Project to Add New River Crossing in Rochester Takes Step Forward
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council has taken another step towards completing a project that’s been on the city’s wishlist for 50 years.
The council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize a $3.2 million contract with engineering firm Bolton and Menk. The contract authorizes the firm to begin designing and engineering a project that will connect the west and east halves of the city.
The contract authorization is the next step in constructing a bridge that will bring 6th St. Southeast across the Zumbro River and connect the street with South Broadway Ave. Monday night’s vote kept the city on track to continuing receiving $19 million in federal funding it was awarded for the project last August.
City documents say the bridge project is being funded by The continued design and engineering work is funded by State Destination Medical Center (DMC) funds. The construction costs for the project will be covered by the Federal RAISE grant funds.
The city included funding for a design in its 2023 budget. A 6th Street bridge was first proposed in 1973 and has been discussed a number of times since 2010.
This proposal stems from the 2021 Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, largely because it would likely help spur the redevelopment of the properties along the Zumbro River between 9th Street and 4th Street Southeast. Since then, a conceptual design has been created and there have been more than 30 virtual meetings with the public to discuss and collect comments as part of the conceptual design process.
You Know You're From Rochester If You Recognize These Places
More From KROC-AM
