Knowledge Base

July 23, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Construction activity is set to begin this week in Soldiers Field Memorial Park marking the next phase of a multi-year joint effort of Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) and Rochester Public Works to construct a large underground utility duct bank from southeast Rochester to downtown.

Although no park amenities will be closed, some road and trail sections will be temporarily affected. Measures are being taken to minimize visitors' impact and inconvenience. Following are some vehicle and pedestrian traffic changes that park users can expect.

A bridge over the Zumbro River has been removed from the path at the park entrance near Broadway Avenue S and 9 Street SW. A pedestrian detour provides access to the park following a temporary path to an alternate river crossing. The bridge is expected to be replaced in early 2025.

Starting July 26, a lane shift will be in place for the south end of Soldiers Field Drive where it connects to the East Lot. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained, but the lanes will be narrowed. Parking will be reduced in the construction area. This lane shift is expected to last approximately 4 weeks. A second lane shift further north will also be required, but the date of that shift has not been determined.

Starting Aug. 5, the following roads will be closed: 2 Avenue SW south of 6 Street, 7 Street SW east of 3 Avenue, and Soldiers Field Drive from 7 Street SW extending approximately 600 feet south. A detour will be in place to reach the East Lot, which is the primary parking lot for the golf course and aquatics center. The detour will use 1 Avenue SW to connect to Soldiers Field Dr and the East Lot. A temporary connector road will be constructed between 1 Ave SW and Soldiers Field Dr. This closure and detour is expected to last approximately 6 weeks.

Park officials expect only minor disruptions during construction.

“Its 150-acre footprint in the heart of Rochester is part of what makes Soldiers Field Memorial Park so special,” shares Parks & Forestry Division Head Mike Nigbur. “It also means that we experience some of the pressures typical of a thriving and growing community, such as road construction.”

“Teammates from across the City and our contractors have carefully planned each step of this project so it will have little to no effect on the opportunities for enjoyment that Soldiers Field provides to our community.”

All parking lots at Soldiers Field remain open, with only two of the park’s 11 vehicle and pedestrian access points requiring a detour.