Knowledge Base

January 7, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The Public Works Department and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) seek feedback from residents on the upcoming reconstruction of 17½ Street NW from 19 Avenue NW to 21 Avenue NW. Attendees will learn more about the project and the proposed schedule and can share feedback on the existing conditions.

17½ Street NW Reconstruction Project

Tuesday, January 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunset Terrace Elementary School

1707 19 Avenue NW

This event has an open-house format with no set presentation.

Individuals unable to attend the open house are encouraged to visit the project webpage.

The proposed project addresses the aging underground utilities, particularly the brittle cast iron water main installed in 1958. RPU has repaired eight water main breaks within the project area, five occurring between 2019 and 2023. The project entails fully reconstructing 17½ Street NW, stretching from 19 Avenue NW to 21 Avenue NW. The project includes the replacement of the deteriorating pavement and aging water main, fully reconstructing the existing sanitary sewer, and replacing the concrete curb and gutter on both sides of the street. Additionally, all stormwater catch basins and associated storm sewer pipes will be replaced, along with the pedestrian curb ramps at the intersections of 17½ Street NW and 19 Avenue NW, and 17½ Street NW and 21 Avenue NW, which currently do not meet ADA standards. The project is currently in the design phase and is planned for construction in Summer 2025. 

More information about the project is found on the 17½ Street NW Reconstruction Project website.