Open House: 51 Street NW Traffic Management Improvements

December 30, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINN. - The Public Works Department is seeking feedback from residents living in the vicinity of 51 Street NW on the traffic issues and concerns in their neighborhood. This open house event, originally scheduled for December 9 but postponed due to winter conditions, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 13 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at Gibbs Elementary School (5525 56 Street NW). This is an open house event with no set presentation time.

Residents of the impacted area petitioned for 51 Street NW from 50 Avenue NW to 60 Avenue NW to be considered for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Concerns outlined in the petition include excessive speeding vehicles and concerns for pedestrian and cyclist safety. A 2022 traffic study confirmed many vehicles exceed the speed limit in the residential neighborhood. In November 2023, the City hosted an open house to gather input from neighbors, better understand traffic concerns and help shape potential traffic calming solutions.

At this second open house, City teammates will present the initial design plan for 51st Street NW, between 50th and 60th Avenues. This proposed plan includes multiple options at several locations along the corridor and reflects neighborhood feedback gathered during the first engagement session. The City will review these options with the attendees and work to identify a preferred direction, including a timeline for construction.

The goal of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is to work closely with neighborhood residents to identify various traffic concerns, conduct appropriate studies to quantify any problems, develop criteria for prioritizing projects, and implement solutions to rectify safety concerns and lower traffic speeds. Traffic calming will improve the safety of all road users and create more pleasant neighborhoods for the residents of Rochester.