As a professional civil engineer based in southern Minnesota, I’ve always believed in the power of infrastructure to shape communities, not just physically, but socially and economically as well. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several impactful public projects in our region. Two that stand out right now are the Silver Lake improvement efforts in Rochester and a one-way street redesign project in Austin.
Silver Lake Enhancements – Rochester, MN
Silver Lake is a central part of Rochester’s identity. It’s a place where residents gather, walk, bike, and relax year-round. The City of Rochester is investing $9.7 million into improvements for this important community space, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute engineering expertise to help bring those plans to life.
This project addresses shoreline restoration, pedestrian trail upgrades, water quality improvements, and better stormwater management. But it’s also about listening. Community input has been a driving force behind the design, and transparency with residents has been a top priority. Local coverage from KAAL-TV highlights the kinds of questions we’ve been hearing—from lake levels to fish habitats—and how we’re working to address those concerns thoughtfully and sustainably.
One-Way Street Project – Austin, MN
In Austin, I’m supporting the design phase of a project that could reshape how traffic flows through parts of the city. The City Council explored options for two one way streets serving as a connector to downtown. While many options were considered, City Council elected to narrow the street slightly and create a wider shared user sidewalk on one side. All with a focus on improving safety, accessibility, and economic activity.
We have finished the design and a contractor is scheduled to start working next week. It’s not just a traffic project—it’s about how people interact with their downtown, how businesses thrive, and how future growth is supported by the right infrastructure. You can read more about this stage of the project in the Austin Daily Herald.
Looking Ahead
Civil engineering is often invisible until something doesn’t work. But when done right, it creates the conditions for vibrant, connected, and resilient communities. I’m proud to be part of these efforts and look forward to sharing more as these projects evolve.
Kyle Skov, Owatonna, MN
Kyle Skov, Owatonna, MN 
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