ROCHESTER — Soldiers Field Memorial Park will feel the pinch with the next phase of utility work heading into downtown.
Construction activity is set to begin this week in the park, marking the next phase of a multi-year joint effort of Rochester Public Utilities 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 visitor impact and inconvenience.
A bridge over the Zumbro River has been removed from the path at the park entrance near South Broadway Avenue and Ninth Street Southwest. 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 park’s east parking lot. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained, but the lanes will be narrowed.
Parking will be reduced in the construction area, and the lane shift is expected to last approximately four weeks. A second lane shift further north will also be required but has not been scheduled.
Starting Aug. 5, several streets will be closed. They are Second Avenue Southwest, south of Sixth Street; Seventh Street Southwest, east of Third Avenue; and Soldiers Field Drive, from Seventh Street Southwest extending approximately 600 feet south.
A detour will be in place to reach the east parking lot, which serves as primary parking for the golf course and aquatics center. The detour will use First Avenue Southwest to connect to Soldiers Field Drive and the parking lot. A temporary connector road will be constructed between First Avenue Southwest and Soldiers Field Drive. The closure and detour are expected to last approximately six weeks.
All parking lots at Soldiers Field will remain open, with only two of the park’s 11 vehicle and pedestrian access points requiring a detour. A construction impacts map detailing this information, along with the project schedule and contact information, is available for download on the project website at
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