Rochester Will Close 3rd Avenue SW Permanently
The permanent closure of a downtown street segment will take effect on October 7, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The city of Rochester is set to permanently close a portion of 3rd Avenue SW on October 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. This action will officially end vehicle access to the Gonda Building west entrance for Mayo Clinic patients.
Why it matters
The city is finalizing this permanent closure to facilitate ongoing downtown development projects. This change follows a period where the street segment has already been restricted to through traffic.
The Rochester City Council approved the permanent closure in November 2024. The affected segment of 3rd Avenue SW, located between 2nd Street SW and West Center Street, has been closed to through traffic since June 2025.
The players
Rochester City Council
This local government body governs the city and authorized the infrastructure changes impacting downtown streets.
Mayo Clinic
This global medical center operates the Gonda Building and is the primary entity affected by the changes to clinic vehicle access.
The details
As construction activity continues in the downtown area, the city will implement new traffic controls and install posted signs to direct vehicles. This shift marks the completion of a multi-year effort to restrict the thoroughfare following the initial approval by local officials.
Timeline
November 2024: Rochester City Council approved the permanent closure.
June 2025: The segment was initially closed to through traffic.
October 7, 2026, 7 p.m.: The street will close permanently.
Market Landscape
This street closure follows the long-term objectives established by the Rochester downtown development plan. It represents a broader trend of repurposing urban corridors to support medical campus growth and pedestrian connectivity.
Patients and visitors arriving by car should plan for restricted access to the Gonda Building west entrance. Drivers should expect updated signage and must navigate alternate routes as the city implements new traffic controls in the downtown core.
The takeaway
Commuters should anticipate altered travel patterns throughout the downtown Rochester area as permanent traffic controls are put in place. Residents are encouraged to monitor city notices for updates regarding ongoing construction phases.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure changes in the region, visit the Openings & Closings section.
More information
Find updated travel guidance and parking details on the Mayo Clinic construction and parking information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTTC.
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