Knowledge Base

City of Rochester Launches “Reimagining Sixth Avenue W” to Reconnect Downtown Mobility Network

September 9 September 4 - ROCHESTER, MINN - Downtown Rochester is entering a new era of transformation. The City of Rochester is taking a step to reimagine Sixth Avenue W and reconnect the downtown mobility network. 

With the permanent closure of Third and Fourth Avenue SW, the City is looking to relocate north-south bike lanes, and introduce new pedestrian, bicycle and intersection improvements. Sixth Avenue W, running from Civic Center Drive to Fourth Street SW, will be redesigned as a key connection between the new Mayo Clinic campus and neighborhoods to the west. 

“Reimagining Sixth Avenue W is about creating a corridor that works for everyone,” said Steve Sampson Brown, Director of Construction, City of Rochester. “By prioritizing safety, connectivity and user experience, we’re building a downtown that is vibrant, accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.”

Key Project Goals

• Reconnect the downtown mobility network to ensure safe and efficient travel for all modes.
• Design pedestrian-first streets with safer crossings and comfortable public spaces.
• Introduce a new All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bikeway to strengthen active transportation connections.
• Integrate design character and streetscape improvements that reflect a vibrant downtown.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

The City is inviting residents, workers, and visitors to share feedback and shape the future of Sixth Avenue W and the downtown mobility network: 

• Virtual Public Meeting 
  Thursday, September 11, Noon (via Microsoft Teams)
  Visit the project website for the meeting link: https://arcg.is/1T5eKu 
• Formal Presentation & Open House 
  Thursday, September 11, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
  Formal presentation to begin at 5:45 p.m. 
  Pasquales Neighborhood Pizzeria (130 5th St SW, Rochester)
• Bike the Corridors Event 
  Monday, September 15, 4:30 p.m. 
  Meet at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Parking Lot (300 7th Street SW, Rochester) 
  Participants should bring their own bike.
• Walk the Corridors Event
  Wednesday, September 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  Meet at Spyhouse Coffee Roasters (601 2 Street SW, Rochester)
• Formal Presentation & Open House
  Monday, October 6, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  Formal presentation to begin at 7:15 p.m.
  City Hall - Conference Room 104 (201 4 Street SE, Rochester)

Project Timeline

• Fall 2025: Community and stakeholder engagement
• January 2026: Design recommendations to City Council for approval
• 2027 (or later): Project implementation

Project Cost & Funding

The conceptual design portion of this project is being funded through the available balance in the 2025 Destination Medical Center Capital Improvement Plan allocated for Design, Planning and Financial Forecasting for Infrastructure to Support Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester. 

For more information, visit https://arcg.is/1T5eKu.