Asking for public input on how to make roads safer

(ABC 6 News) – As we pass the half-year mark of 2021, we know from recent reports that it’s been a deadly year on Minnesota roads.

As we’ve been reporting, traffic deaths statewide are up significantly compared to the past five years.

As local and state agencies use infrastructure and other money for highway improvements, area leaders are in the process of asking the public for input.

An open comment period is now open for people to weigh in. It’s not all about safety but public transportation options in the city of Rochester and throughout Olmsted county.

As the area continues to see year-to-year population growth, transportation issues are a top priority for local government leaders.
 
"We hope that people look at the document online and then there is the ability to comment on each particular section and or project either ask questions or provide commentary relative to any of those projects so that’s really what we’re looking for," Olmsted County Commissioner Ken Brown said.ROCOG is planning an in-person open house on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Olmsted County Planning Department, 2122 Campus Drive SE, Conference Room A, Rochester, MN 55904. This in-person open house may be postponed or canceled due to the changing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ROCOG will be conducting two virtual open houses via Microsoft Teams: Tuesday, September 7, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm; and Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Links to the Teams events will be available on the ROCOG website.

The local body overseeing this specific program is called the Rochester-Olmsted council of government.