Major Connection to Downtown Rochester Reopens
Destination Medical Center (DMC) and the City of Rochester are pleased to announce the reopening of 2nd Street, a major roadway through downtown Rochester. The reopening allows for easier access to the downtown core and to shopping, dining, entertainment and jobs.
The on schedule sanitary and storm sewer project improved the existing infrastructure and created additional capacity to support planned development in the DMC District and southeast Rochester.
The project, which began in 2019, included sanitary sewer improvements along 1st Avenue SE from 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SE and along 2nd Street SE from 1st Avenue SW to 3rd Avenue SE. Also included in the project was the installation of a new sanitary sewer siphon along the 3rd Avenue SE Bridge. The added sanitary sewer capacity from this project could allow for up to 10,000 more homes or businesses.
Rochester Mayor Kim Norton states, “I appreciate the public’s patience throughout this important infrastructure project. Underground utility work is disruptive, especially when it impacts a major access point to downtown. In exchange for the inconvenience, we now will experience the benefits of infrastructure that can support our community for the next 75 years.”
“We thank Rochester residents, visitors and businesses for their loyalty to a strong Rochester core during these important development and construction projects, which lay the groundwork for a sustainable future,” said Lisa Clarke, Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency executive director. “The reopening of 2nd Street and Broadway Avenue, with more projects nearing completion, will make the visit to downtown Rochester more convenient and much easier to access. Our downtown businesses are welcoming visitors with additional safety measures in place.”
“We are beyond grateful to our business owners for their patience and resilience during this construction season,” said Holly Masek, Rochester Downtown Alliance executive director. “With 2nd Street and Broadway reopened, and several weeks of great weather still at hand, we hope the Rochester community will safely join us downtown for outdoor dining, local shopping, and live music through the fall.”
Traffic control barriers have been removed from 2nd Street SW/SE. The parking lane and one drive lane on the north side of 2nd Street SW from Broadway Avenue to west of 1st Avenue SW will remain closed to allow a space for pedestrian access around construction activities. Two-way traffic will be open through this area.
The estimated cost of this project is $6.5 million. Funding for the project is made possible by DMC state funds, sales tax and sewer and water utility fees.