Virtual Open House: Viola Road NE (County State Aid Highway 2) & Cassidy Drive NE Intersection Improvement Project

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County are hosting two Virtual Open House sessions for the Viola Road NE (CSAH 2) and Cassidy Drive NE Intersection Improvement Project. This project, which is currently in the design phase, will improve traffic operations and safety around Century High School. The project team recommends a single-lane roundabout as the preferred engineering option for the intersection. Construction of the roundabout is expected to occur in 2023.

The public is invited to learn more about the project and provide feedback on the preliminary design at one of the following Virtual Open Houses:

• February 10, 2022 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• February 15, 2022 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Registrations are required and can be made online via the project website: Clients.Bolton-Menk.com/Viola-Cassidy 

A recording of the presentation and feedback tools will be available on the project website for individuals that cannot attend a live session.

This project is a joint effort between the City of Rochester and Olmsted County. In summer 2021, the project team completed an Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) report for the Viola Road and Cassidy Drive intersection. The ICE report included an evaluation of multiple intersection options, including the existing configuration, a signalized intersection, a single-lane roundabout, and a multi-lane roundabout. The report indicated the preferred improvement option is a single-lane roundabout. This option will improve traffic operations, reduce the number of crashes and shorten pedestrian crossing distances.

The key objectives of the new roundabout design are: 1) Increase pedestrian safety and connections; 2) Increase awareness of school area; 3) Provide safe facilities; 4) Lower vehicle speeds; 5) Reduce conflict points between pedestrians and vehicles; and 6) Improve circulation and access of all modes of travel.