Work Begins Monday On Major Downtown Rochester Project

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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A major street/pedestrian project in downtown Rochester is scheduled to begin Monday.

It’s called Discovery Walk and it will affect foot and vehicle traffic for months.

The project will completely remake the stretch of 2nd Ave SW between the Plummer Building and Soldiers Field Park. It’s a joint project involving the city and Destination Medical Center.

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Starting Monday, the section of 2nd Ave will be completely closed to traffic between 6th St. and the south side of the 5th St. intersection.

· The intersection of 6 Street SW and 2 Avenue SW will be closed to all traffic except the Med City Mover.

· The sidewalk on the west side of 2 Avenue SW from 6 Street SW to 5 Street SW will be closed. Pedestrian access will be via the sidewalk on the east side of 2 Avenue.

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This is the first phase of the project and is expected to continue through the end of June. Work on the project was originally scheduled to begin last year but was delayed due to what the city said was an “unpredictable bidding environment” that affected the original project budget of $16-million.

So just what is Discovery Walk?

According to the city:
The ultimate intent is for this to transform into a place to lunch or work outside over coffee, for families to bring children to fountains in the summer and swings in the winter, and for residents to walk their dogs and engage with neighbors.

Here’s the DMC description of the project:
Discovery Walk is a four-block linear parkway in downtown Rochester, MN along 2nd Avenue SW that will serve pedestrians as well as vehicle traffic. This multipurpose public space and streetscape is the first of its kind in Rochester. The vision for this project is to create a high amenity landscaped road and utility reconstruction project in the middle of downtown that prioritizes pedestrian experience while also maintaining flexibility for bike and vehicular access, civic events, and supports future development.