Major Rochester Road Project With Major Disruptions Begins Monday
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - We now have a start date for one of the most significant and disruptive road reconstruction projects in Rochester in recent years.
The Rochester Public Works Department says construction work on the nearly $24 million project to rebuild a long stretch of North Broadway is scheduled to begin next Monday. The overall project will include the replacement of the roadway, water main, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer infrastructure, along with safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists from Civic Center Drive to the Silver Lake Bridge.
Tyler Niemeyer, Assistant City Engineer for the City of Rochester shares, “We are pleased with the level of interest and engagement this project received in the months approaching construction. We understand construction is disruptive to businesses and residents. We are hopeful our approach to the project, coupled with participation from those most impacted by it, will minimize impacts as we build toward a transformed corridor that improves safety and accessibility for all users.”
The first phase of the project, beginning Monday, will result in the closure of Silver Lake Drive Northeast at the North Broadway intersection for the construction of a bypass for a detour that will be needed for the project. Traffic on North Broadway will also be limited to one lane in each direction between 11th Street and the Silver Lake bridge. The sidewalks will remain open but the Silver Lake Trail on the south side of the lake will be closed at the North Broadway intersection.
Starting on May 10th, the project will require closing North Broadway to through traffic from Civic Center Drive to the Silver Lake Bridge. The detour will utilize Silver Lake Drive Northeast. Sidewalk access will be maintained using the existing sidewalks or temporary paths and the Silver Lake Trail will reopen using a temporary pedestrian and bike path.
The project will also cause delays and some detours for Rochester Public Transit routes beginning next week.
The Rochester City Council voted last month to approve an $18.3 million contract with Elcor Construction to serve as the general contractor for the project, which is scheduled to be completed in September of next year. Property owners in the "project zone" will contribute $1.7 million to help cover the cost through special property tax assessments.
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