Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A fence in the middle of a busy downtown Rochester street is in the works.

The City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a recommendation to install a median fence on South Broadway between 3rd and 4th streets.

That stretch of the downtown has been problematic for public safety reasons for years because pedestrians often run across the street, usually at night. The council has been asked to approve a $198,000 bid for the project.

 

The Council is also being asked to begin the process of building a new parking ramp in the downtown.

The need is being driven by downtown growth and the expected loss of the 2nd St and West Center St ramps due to pending development projects. Although they will be replaced by new ramps, there will be a shortage of parking until they are built.

The expansion of the Mayo Civic Center is also cited as a reason for a new ramp as it is expected to generate more activity. The site currently being considered for a new ramp is city-owned property to the north of the civic center.

The council is being asked to approve the hiring of a firm to look at that site or alternatives.

 

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