Motorists can expect detours on Civic Center Drive starting Friday
Drivers using a small, but busy stretch of Civic Center Drive Northwest will need to find alternate routes beginning Friday evening.
The road will be completely closed to traffic in both directions from Fourth Avenue Northwest to Eight Avenue Northwest for 10-14 days, at the minimum, according to Rochester Public Works.
The department called the project unexpected. A city news release says crews were intending to install water main and sanitary sewers under Civic Center Drive Northwest but encountered “unforeseen underground conditions.” The road work is part of the 6th/7th Avenues NW/SW Reconstruction Project.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we make the necessary adjustment to move forward with this project,” said Chris Petree, director of Public Works. “We are aware of the inconvenience and crews will be working as diligently as possible to get the road re-opened.”
Traffic detours will be posted and include:
7th Street NW via 4th Avenue NW and 11th Avenue NW
Center Street West via 3rd/4th Avenues NW and 11th Avenue NW
Local traffic only on Civic Center Drive from 8th Avenue NW to 11th Avenue NW
Local traffic only on Civic Center Drive from 4th Avenue NW to the temporary entrance to Southern Minnesota Auto Supply/Auto Value Rochester
The work will not affect bus routes, though traffic congestion due to detours may cause longer travel times and delays in some service.
Cover graphic via the city website
