Knowledge Base

Corridor Construction Begins on Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Rochester

June 10, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MNN. – A major milestone in Rochester’s transportation future begins Monday, June 16, as corridor construction officially kicks off for Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This transformative project will bring faster, fare-free and environmentally sustainable transit service to city residents, downtown employees and visitors in the downtown area and along the Link BRT corridor. 

Construction will begin in phases along 2nd Street SW, beginning with utility upgrades and leading to full roadway improvements as the project progresses: 

• June 16 to mid-July: Water and stormwater infrastructure improvements between 11th Avenue SW and 12th Avenue SW on 2nd Street SW. Traffic will be shifted to the south curb, leaving one lane of travel in each direction. 

• Mid-July to mid-August: Continuation of infrastructure improvements, traffic will shift to the north curb between 11th Avenue SW and 12th Avenue SW on 2nd Street SW, leaving one lane of travel in each direction.  

These improvements lay the foundation for Link BRT service, which is designed to transform how people move through Rochester. Construction timelines were coordinated with other downtown construction projects.  

What to Expect During Construction

While construction is underway, residents and businesses can expect temporary lane reductions and closures along the 2nd Street SW corridor. Clear signage, advance notice and continued access to local properties will help keep everyone moving safely. 

For more information on traveling downtown please visit: www.downtownrochesterconstruction.org.   

Why Link BRT?

Link BRT is more than a transit upgrade — it's a bold investment in Rochester’s future: 

• Faster, Efficient Transit: Serving over 11,000 riders per day, Link BRT will offer a quicker commute for workers, patients and visitors. 

• Fare-Free Service: All rides will be completely free, making transit more accessible and equitable. 

• Reliable Wait Times: During peak hours, buses will arrive as frequently as every five minutes, reducing delays and wait times. 

• Modern Stations: Heated, covered and fully accessible stations will enhance rider comfort in every season. 

• Less Traffic, More Access: By offering a viable alternative to driving, Link BRT will help ease downtown congestion, reduce parking strain and create a more walkable, vibrant city core. 

• Cleaner Air and Sustainability: With electric buses, the system will cut greenhouse gas emissions and support Rochester’s climate goals. 

For project updates and project information, visit www.rochestermn.gov/link  

The Link BRT project was cooperatively funded in partnership with Destination Medical Center (DMC). For more information on DMC please visit: Destination Medical Center | A Global Destination for Health & Wellness. 

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