Downtown Rochester faces street closures for geothermal project

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center are advancing energy efficiency in downtown buildings with the Downtown Building Energy Transition (DBET) initiative. This effort focuses on transitioning key municipal facilities to geothermal energy, aligning with Rochester Public Utilities’ aim for 100% renewable energy by 2030. Construction for the next DBET phase begins October 28 and 29. Civic Center Drive SE will face closures between 1 Street SE and 2 Street SE, with no left turns permitted from eastbound 2 Street SE onto northbound Civic Center Drive. Southbound lanes on Civic Center Drive will also be closed from E Center Street to 1 Street SE, along with the sidewalk on the west side from 1 Street SE to 2 Street SE. The initiative start