Overview of Rochester’s 2026 Road Construction Projects

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The City of Rochester today listed the large-scale road and infrastructure construction projects scheduled for this year’s construction season.

Major Public Transit Project Tops the List

The largest is the $175 million LINK Bus Rapid Transit system in downtown Rochester. Work on the project began last year with water and stormwater infrastructure improvements along 2nd Street Southwest. Construction of the 12 stations along the 2.8-mile route and other major features of the transit system is getting underway this spring, and the entire project is currently scheduled for completion in late summer of next year.

The Link Bus Rapid Transit project is already creating some major traffic disruptions in the downtown area. 2nd Street Southeast from First Avenue Southeast to Civic Center Drive is now closed until mid-May.

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In addition, the closure of 6th Avenue Southwest has been expanded to West Center Street to 3rd Street Southwest until late August and 6th Street Southeast from 3rd Avenue to 4th Avenue Southeast will be closed beginning next week for a traffic installation project.

Wrapping Up North Broadway Project

The North Broadway reconstruction project has also resumed between the Silver Lake Bridge and Elton Hills Drive Northwest. The remaining work includes the installation of sidewalks, bus shelters, streetscape elements, and landscaping. It is scheduled to be completed in June.

Complete 4th Street Southeast Roundabout

Work has also resumed on the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of 4th Street Southeast and 19th Avenue Southeast, adjacent to Olmsted Medical Center Hospital. The project was scheduled to be completed last fall, but delays associated with the Highway 14 repaving project and other issues pushed it into a second construction season.

East Center Street Reconstruction

East Center Street, from the Zumbro River to 11th Avenue, is slated for a major reconstruction this year. The project includes the replacement of 100-year-old sanitary sewer and water mains and the addition of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. It will also feature a mini roundabout at the 11th Avenue intersection.

New 6th Street Bridge

Later in the year, construction is expected to begin on the 6th Street Bridge project, which will include major upgrades to the biking and walking trails along the Zumbro River in that area. That work is not expected to begin until this winter and will continue into the spring of 2028.

Downtown Infrastructure

The city's list also includes major upgrades to utility infrastructure, streets, and streetscape in downtown Rochester surrounding the $5 billion Mayo Clinic Bold. Forward. Unbound Zumbro. expansion project. Work on the infrastructure upgrades begins this year but will continue for the next five years.