Downtown Rochester commuters received good news on Friday when city officials announced that two closed segments of 2nd St. SW will reopen later this month. The street, a key connector between Highway 52 and the heart of downtown, has been partially shut for months while the $200 million Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line is built.
Reopening schedule
The city’s press release states that the portion of 2nd St. SW between 13th and 12th Avenue SW is slated to reopen during the week of November 23. Traffic will run in a single lane each direction, creating a continuous route from West Circle Drive to 7th Avenue SW. At the Highway 52 interchange, the street will also return to two lanes each way in the same week.
The second closure, between 6th Avenue and 4th Avenue SW, is scheduled to end the week of December 6. That stretch will also operate with one lane per direction while construction continues.
Impact on downtown traffic and businesses
City officials acknowledge that the construction will still affect travel during the winter months, but they expect the reopening to ease congestion and improve access for shoppers, diners, and other downtown patrons. “We know the disruptions have been significant, and we greatly appreciate the patience and support of our businesses, residents and visitors,” said Assistant City Administrator Ryan Yetzer. “With the holiday season approaching and access improving, it’s a great time to reconnect with favorite places along 2nd Street, discover new ones and support the businesses.”
Once the downtown closure is fully lifted, motorists will be able to travel the entire length of 2nd St. from West Circle Drive to 3rd Avenue SE/Civic Center Drive without detours.
Link BRT progress
The Link BRT project, a 2.8‑mile fare‑free route designed to provide rapid transit between the university and the medical campus, is now 67 % complete, according to the release. The agency expects the first BRT rides to begin in August of next year, offering a new transit option for residents and visitors alike.
While construction crews continue work through the winter, the city says the phased reopening of 2nd St. SW will help keep downtown vibrant during the busy holiday period.
Looking ahead
Rochester’s leadership remains focused on balancing infrastructure improvements with the needs of local businesses and commuters. The city plans to monitor traffic patterns after the November and December reopenings and will provide updates as the Link BRT project moves toward its final stages.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
