Hwy 43 — Winona
Do you drive, bike, or walk in Winona? We are planning improvements to make your experience better and safer on Hwy 43 from Mankato Ave to the Mississippi River Bridge. We plan to begin construction in 2028.
Engagement overview
MnDOT hosted two rounds of engagement for the Highway 43 project in Winona, MN. The first round introduced the project and collected initial community feedback on how community members use Hwy 43 and what needs improvement. The online comment portal was visited by over 1,400 people and received over 80 location-specific comments in Spring 2023.
The second round of engagement for the study focused on sharing potential improvement concepts and collecting community feedback. Round 2 engagement included an in-person Open House as well as an online Virtual Open House and comment portal. The official comment period for the Study closed on August 18, 2023, but you can review the information boards and the concepts that were discussed or the virtual meeting video.
What we heard from the community
MnDOT hosted an Open House for the Hwy 43 Improvement Project in Winona on July 18, 2023 to introduce improvement concepts, including the consideration of roundabouts and the removal of signalized intersections. Following the in-person event, meeting materials were posted online and a one-month online comment period was advertised. During that time, there were over 800 visits to the site and a total of 60 comments submitted. The comments reflect a diverse range of opinions and concerns about the proposed changes to the road infrastructure, particularly regarding the introduction of roundabouts and their impact on traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The following describes the themes of comments received about the proposed improvement concepts.
- Traffic Flow and Efficiency:
- Concerns are raised about the suitability of roundabouts for heavy truck traffic and their impact on pedestrians.
- Some support the idea of roundabouts, claiming they could enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, provide time savings, and increase safety.
- Concerns are raised about speeding and traffic violations on Main Street and the need for enforcement.
- Pedestrian Safety / Safety Evidence:
- A common concern is the safety of pedestrians (including children and older adults), particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic/crossings.
- Some worry that roundabouts may not be pedestrian-friendly and could pose risks to walkers and cyclists.
- Request evidence that roundabouts are safer for pedestrians than other alternatives.
- Alternative Solutions:
- Some individuals suggest rerouting Hwy 43 to improve traffic flow and avoid congested areas, implementing additional crosswalks, and improving existing roads.
- Beautification and Aesthetics:
- Some request beautification efforts, such as flowers, art, lighting, and trees to enhance aesthetics.
- Walkability:
- Debate about whether proposed changes prioritize traffic efficiency at the expense of pedestrian safety.
- Suggest slower speeds to ensure pedestrian well-being.
Thank you to everyone who provided input on the Study. MnDOT will use these comments to continue to refine designs as it considers long-term improvements for the roadway.
Potential improvements
- Resurface Hwy 43 to provide a smoother driving experience and increase the longevity of the road
- Reconstruct sidewalks and curb ramps to meet ADA standards
- Improve mobility and safety for bicyclists
- Reconstruct and restripe several intersections to improve safety and traffic flow
It’s important to remember that funding exists for repaving the road from Mankato Avenue to the Mississippi River bridge and making additional improvements to pedestrian facilities to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Additional improvements are not currently funded, but MnDOT is gathering input to determine if it’s able to seek more funding to do more. We plan to keep you updated on any changes that might occur based on the input from you and others in the community.
Anticipated traffic impacts
- Daily lane closures during the resurfacing
- Pedestrian and bicycle routes will be detoured to alternative routes
- Local street detours will occur during intersection work
Contacts
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Phone 507-286-7637 Email chad.hanson@state.mn.us -
Phone 507-251-2749 Email michael.dougherty@state.mn.us
Great layout
Agree that the most impactful improvement is re-routing Hwy 43. The semi trucks that are moving through without a local stop are heading for the downtown Interstate Bridge. For northbound, route them onto Mankato to 6th or 2nd to head west to the bridge (if 2nd then 2 blocks backtracking to Johnson then to the bridge on 4th). Southbound trucks heading to the bridge could be routed onto Pelzer then Riverview Drive into downtown, left onto 4th street to bridge. In the 'old days' routing major highways through the central part of town was thought to be good for business. That's not the case anymore, certainly with the truck traffic. Thank you.
It might be time to seriously consider rerouting MN 43 to continue north on Mankato Avenue, continue west on second street and then south to Huff and then east on 4th to the bridge. Yes, it’s a couple of blocks backtracking, but it avoids the park and residential area on Sarnia, the University on Main. It also eliminates a difficult right turn from Sarnia onto Main and a difficult left from Main to Sarnia for semis. Mankato already sees a great deal of semi traffic north of Sarnia due to the businesses on that side of town. The road can handle more easily. Second Street also sees far less pedestrian traffic than Sarnia and Main, reducing the chances of an accident.
The addition of a bus stop and cross walk at 420 East Sarnia is needed for safe access to Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center. The present situation is dangerous and presents as a barrier for pedestrians/consumers seeking access to this important community resource.
Please consider the addition of a bus stop and cross walk in front of the Hiwatha Valley Mental Health Clinic on 420 E Sarnia St. to achieve safer and more accessible transportation for vulnerable citizens of Winona County. Thank you.
I agree with Chiefwingnut. It's really scary to navigate the trucks making turns on the Sarnia/Main corner. I am a commuter in that area and know to keep my distance so trucks can swing in, but not everyone foresees them coming and gives them space! Also... anything to facilitate the crossings from Lake Park across Sarnia (pedestrian islands, narrowing of road, more obvious crossings/lights/striping???... especially anything that would force cars to slow down or stop) would make that so much safer especially in summer when people heavily use that stretch of the park.
Remove parking on 4th St from Main St to Winona St and replace with island separated bike lanes. Eg curb -bike lane -island -2 traffic lanes -island -bike lane -curb. Connect bike lanes to existing bike lanes on the bridge.
I drive truck and live in winona. The intersection of main and Sarina the house on the corner should be removed to improve the flow around that corner for trucks since that is the main truck route to wisconsin. Thanks
Reduce the Broadway to 4th Street section to 2 lanes like the rest of the highway. Consider roundabouts at the 4th, 5th and Broadway intersections.
Ideally add bike lanes, but place them on the far outside of the road and, if possible, separate them from parking and traffic with a small island or bollards. Eg curb -bike lane- island -parking -2 traffic lanes -parking -island -bike lane -curb. If space constrained, remove some parking.
Since the proposed island would just be a surface structure, it shouldn't require changing the existing pavement grading or the existing storm sewers. Street plowing should be easier to deal with than existing sidewalk bump outs.
Please add lighting along the route especially at intersections and cross walks. Beautify the Main Street median between 4th and 6th.
Semi traffic consistently disrupts the Sarnia and Main intersection. Hamilton could use a blinking pedestrian sign to cross Sarnia.