Rochester's Sixth Street bridge design cost jumps $1M

Overall budget holds despite increased engineering contract for bridge, street, and riverfront enhancements.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The design and engineering costs for Rochester's planned $36.8 million Sixth Street bridge project over the Zumbro River have increased by nearly $1 million, but the overall project budget is expected to remain unchanged. The added costs cover changes to the bridge design, street enhancements on both sides, and increased public engagement efforts.

Why it matters

The Sixth Street bridge is a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between downtown Rochester and the Slatterly Park neighborhood. The cost increase highlights the challenges of managing complex construction projects, but the city is working to ensure the final project meets the community's needs within the available budget.

The details

The original bridge design called for a clear-span structure, but after further analysis, engineers determined that was not possible. This required adding support piers, which led to additional engineering work for permitting and minimizing impacts to the waterway. The project also includes design changes to Sixth Street on both sides of the bridge, as well as new connections to the riverfront. Increased public engagement with the Slatterly Park neighborhood resulted in further design enhancements to address community concerns.

  • The bridge design is nearly 90% complete.
  • The $981,449 increase to the engineering contract was negotiated over the past two months.
  • The Rochester City Council approved the increased contract on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Construction on the project is anticipated to begin this year.

The players

Steve Sampson Brown

Rochester's director of construction, overseeing the Sixth Street bridge project.

Bolton & Menk

The engineering firm contracted for the bridge design and engineering work.

Norman Wahl

A member of the Rochester City Council who expressed concerns about the increased costs.

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What they’re saying

“The original concept called for a clear-span bridge. After getting into the design and doing the math and understanding the hydraulics of the floodway through this project a clear-span was not possible.”

— Steve Sampson Brown, Rochester's director of construction (postbulletin.com)

“We did multiple rounds of public engagement, which was not originally contemplated in the base contract agreement.”

— Steve Sampson Brown, Rochester's director of construction (postbulletin.com)

“I think the whole council wants the very best project possible, pointing to limits on available funds.”

— Norman Wahl, Rochester City Council member (postbulletin.com)

What’s next

The project is expected to go out for construction bids in the coming months, with the city working to ensure the final design can be delivered within the $36.8 million budget.

The takeaway

Despite the increased engineering costs, the city is committed to delivering the Sixth Street bridge project that meets the community's needs and connectivity goals, while managing the overall budget constraints through the construction bidding process.