June 15, 2021 – ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA – The City of Rochester is permanently closing East River Road NE between East River Lane NE and 23 Street NE on June 21, 2021. This change, which was approved by the City Council on June 7, is result of the neighborhood’s participation in the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.

Concrete jersey barriers will be placed across East River Road NE just south of the intersection with 23 Street NE, thereby completely closing the roadway to automobile traffic. Access for pedestrians and cyclists along East River Road NE will remain.

Residents of the impacted area petitioned for East River Road NE from 24 Street NE to Broadway Avenue North be considered for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. The petition included concerns over cut-through traffic, vehicle speeds, poor sight lines and safety of pedestrians and cyclists due to the lack of sidewalks in the area. A 2019 traffic study confirmed high levels of traffic use this route as a shortcut between Broadway Avenue North and 37 Street NW. The study also confirmed that many of these vehicles are exceeding the posted speed limit. City teammates began working with neighborhood residents in 2019 to determine the best solution for the project area. Engagement activities included neighborhood meetings, an educational website and surveys.

The goal of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is to work closely with neighborhood residents in order to identify various traffic concerns, conduct appropriate studies to quantify any problems, develop criteria for prioritizing projects, and implement solutions in order 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.