City of Rochester, MN

04/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/06/2026 09:27

Progress on Link Continues

April 6, 2026 - ROCHESTER, MNN. - The Link Bus Rapid Transit project continues to advance toward a major milestone in Rochester's transportation future. Significant progress was made throughout last construction season and work continued steadily over the winter, bringing the project to 30% completion and preparing the corridor for an even more active year ahead. As crews ramp up with spring weather, the project remains on track for its first Link rides to begin in Fall 2027, bringing faster, fare-free and environmentally sustainable transit service to residents, employees and visitors along the corridor.

Construction will occur in phases along the corridor, beginning with utility upgrades and leading to full roadway improvements as the project progresses. As work moves around the Link corridor, drivers can expect lane closures to accommodate construction activity. Some locations will also require full closures as construction advances over the course of the construction season. The following full closures will begin on April 6:

  • The closure of 2nd Street SE from 1st Avenue SE to Civic Center Drive (until mid-May)
  • The closure of 6th Avenue SW will expand to West Center Street to 3rd Street SW (until late August)
  • The closure of 6th Street SE from 3rd Avenue SE to 4th Avenue SE for traffic signal installation (April 13 - April 20)

These improvements lay the foundation for Link service, which is designed to support how people move through Rochester. Construction timelines for Link are coordinated with other downtown construction projects.

What to Expect During Construction

While construction is underway, residents and businesses can expect temporary lane reductions and closures along 2nd Street SW and 3rd Avenue SE. Clear signage, advance notice and continued access to local properties will help keep everyone moving safely.

For more information on traveling downtown please visit: https://www.downtownrochesterconstruction.org.

Why Link?

Link is more than a transit upgrade - it's a bold investment in Rochester's future:

  • Faster, Efficient Transit: Serving over 11,000 riders per day, Link will offer a quicker commute for workers, patients and visitors.
  • Fare-Free Service: All rides will be completely free, making transit more accessible and equitable.
  • Reliable Wait Times: During peak hours, buses will arrive as frequently as every five minutes, reducing delays and wait times and every 10-15 minutes during non-peak times.
  • Modern Stations: Heated, covered and fully accessible stations will enhance rider comfort in every season.
  • Less Traffic, More Access: By offering a viable alternative to driving, Link will help ease downtown congestion, reduce parking strain and create a more walkable, vibrant city core.
  • Cleaner Air and Sustainability: With electric buses, the system will cut greenhouse gas emissions and support Rochester's climate goals.

For project updates and project information, visit https://www.rochestermn.gov/link

The Link project was cooperatively funded in partnership with Destination Medical Center (DMC). For more information on DMC please visit: Destination Medical Center | A Global Destination for Health & Wellness.

City of Rochester, MN published this content on April 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 06, 2026 at 15:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]