65th Street Reconstruction Project

The 65th Street Reconstruction Project in Rochester, MN, highlights Elcor Construction’s experience with roadway reconstruction, earthwork, and underground utility improvements that support safer and more efficient transportation corridors. Completed as a 2023 project, this work focused on 65th Street NW from 37th Avenue NW to 50th Avenue NW. The City of Rochester’s project included transforming 65th Street NW from a rural road into a city street with a 30 mph speed limit, improved traffic flow, increased safety, and new pedestrian and bicycle connections. As Rochester continues to grow, roadways like 65th Street NW play an important role in connecting neighborhoods, schools, trails, and other community destinations. Reconstructing this corridor provided an opportunity to modernize the roadway so it could better serve drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, students, and nearby residents. Rather than functioning only as a rural road, the improved street is designed to support a more urban transportation environment with better access, safer movement, and stronger connections to surrounding infrastructure. Elcor Construction’s scope included earthwork and underground utilities, two essential components of a successful reconstruction project. Earthwork helps shape the corridor, establish proper grades, prepare the roadway base, and support long-term pavement performance. Proper grading is especially important because it influences drainage, roadway stability, and the overall durability of the finished street. Underground utility work is equally important, even though much of it is not visible after construction is complete. Utility improvements help support the long-term function of the corridor and reduce the risk of future disruptions caused by aging or inadequate infrastructure. By addressing underground systems during reconstruction, the project creates a stronger foundation for the finished roadway and helps limit the need for more disruptive repairs in the future. The project also included new pedestrian and bicycle paths that connect to existing trails and Dakota Middle School. These improvements make the corridor more accessible for people who walk or bike and help create safer routes for students, families, and community members. Adding multi-modal connections is an important part of building streets that serve more than vehicle traffic alone. The 65th Street Reconstruction Project is another example of Elcor Construction’s role in supporting Rochester’s continued growth through reliable heavy civil construction services. By contributing earthwork and underground utility expertise, Elcor helped create a safer, more functional, and better-connected corridor for the community.