Rochester Plans $36.8M Sixth Street Bridge Project

Floodwall changes proposed as part of major infrastructure upgrades along the Zumbro River

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:04am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a polished, geometric concrete model of a bridge arch floating on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the engineering challenges of the Sixth Street bridge project.A conceptual rendering of the new Sixth Street bridge design, which will require carefully engineered floodwall adjustments to accommodate the updated structure.Rochester Today

The city of Rochester is moving forward with a $36.8 million project to rebuild the Sixth Street bridge over the Zumbro River, which will involve shifting the floodwalls on each side of the waterway to create more space for the new bridge supports and a pedestrian path. The project also includes creating new access to the riverfront and street improvements along a roughly three-quarter-mile stretch of Sixth Street.

Why it matters

This project is part of Rochester's broader efforts to enhance connectivity, flood mitigation, and public access to the Zumbro River, which runs through the heart of the city. The floodwall changes are a key component, as they will allow for the new bridge design while minimizing any additional flood risk downstream.

The details

The plans call for moving roughly 250 feet of the western floodwall approximately 20 feet closer to Broadway, and about 200 feet of the eastern floodwall 15 feet to the east. This will create an added 35 feet of space between the floodwalls to accommodate the new bridge supports and a pedestrian path. The expected downstream impact is less than 1 inch of additional water rise during a flood event.

  • The Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the floodwall changes on April 9, 2026.
  • The Rochester City Council is expected to make a final decision on the project in May 2026.
  • If all permits are approved, construction on the Sixth Street bridge is expected to start towards the end of 2026.
  • Sixth Street reconstruction projects are expected to begin in 2027.

The players

Elliot Mohler

Community Development planner for the city of Rochester.

Steve Sampson Brown

Director of construction for the city of Rochester.

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What they’re saying

“They are pulling back the floodwalls to make way for more space.”

— Elliot Mohler, Community Development planner

“There's one small area of the parking lot in Soldiers Field that will be added to the flooding.”

— Steve Sampson Brown, Director of construction

What’s next

The city must also receive approvals from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency before the floodwall changes can be finalized.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates Rochester's commitment to improving infrastructure, flood resilience, and public access along the Zumbro River, which is a vital natural resource and recreational asset for the community.