Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester City Council will be updated Monday on the preliminary design plans for the long anticipated 6th Street Bridge project.

The nearly $36 million project includes the construction of a new bridge across the Zumbro River, along with numerous improvements to the riverfront in the areas adjacent to the planned bridge. At this point, construction work on the project is tentatively scheduled to begin in the fall of next year.

The Project Was First Proposed in 1973

The latest design for the new bridge calls for three lanes of traffic. One lane would carry vehicles east across the river, while westbound traffic would split into two lanes with one of them dedicated for vehicles turning left onto South Broadway.

The first phase of the project includes the construction of the bridge, riverfront trail improvements and landscaping, as well as infrastructure needed for the second phase. Phase 2 includes amenities such as seating, trails, and "building a greater connection to the riverfront."

According to city documents, nearly $20 million of the $36 million budget for the project will come from a federal grant that was announced in 2022 through the Rebuilding America infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. Another $10 million would come from Destination Medical Center funding, while state funding would cover the remaining $6 million.

The presentation to the City Council indicates the bridge design will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Transportation this month and a neighborhood meeting concerning the updated design and project plans will be held in June. After a federal government review, it's anticipated that the final design will be ready in April of next year and the city could advertise for bids next summer.

Regulatory approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers is expected in August of next year along with an approved contract with the US Department of Transportation. If all goes as planned, the presentation indicates the construction contract could be awarded in September of next year.

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