Project Purpose and Need

The Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the City of Winona are working together to make improvements along Highway 43 from the Minnesota/Wisconsin state line through downtown Winona and extending to Mankato Avenue.

Conditions:

This road segment has deteriorating pavement conditions, non-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and safety issues and challenges for pedestrians and bicyclists wanting to cross Highway 43.

Goals:

• Improve pavement quality and extend the lifespan of the road
• Bring sidewalks and pedestrian ramps up to current ADA standards
• Update intersection controls where criteria is met.
• Improve mobility and safety for all modes of traffic.

Process:

MnDOT recently completed a project scoping study to identify, plan and budget for future Highway 43 improvements. The scoping study included traffic analysis, roadway geometric alternatives evaluation, public engagement and overall project cost estimates. The following sections outline the outcomes of the scoping study process.

What We Heard from the Community

MnDOT hosted both online and in-person public open houses. The first round of engagement introduced the project and collected initial community feedback on improvement needs. The second round included sharing potential improvement concepts and collecting feedback in both an online and in-person format.

MnDOT would like to thank the residents of Winona for their active involvement in the public engagement process. Over 2,600 people visited the project website and many attended the in-person open house. Nearly 150 location specific comments were provided, which helped guide project decision making and identify areas for improvement. Comments received generally centered around the following key elements:

Traffic Flow and Efficiency

• Concerns were raised about the suitability of roundabouts for heavy truck traffic and impact on pedestrians
• Some supported the idea of roundabouts, claiming they could enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion
• Concerns were raised about speeding and traffic violations along Highway 43
• Several comments questioned the removal of signal systems at 4th and 5th Streets
• The need for dedicated left turn lanes at Franklin Street was noted
• Some find the lane configuration confusing as Highway 43 transitions from two lanes to four lanes at Broadway Street

Pedestrian Safety

• A common concern is the safety of pedestrians (including children and older adults), particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic/crossings, such as in the downtown area
• Some worry that roundabouts may not be pedestrian friendly and could pose risks to walkers and cyclists.
• It was noted that crossings are difficult near the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center

Walkability and Aesthetics

• Debate among the feedback received about whether proposed changes prioritize traffic efficiency at the expense of pedestrian safety
• Some requested beautification efforts, such as flowers, art, lighting, and trees to enhance aesthetics.
• Requests were made for sidewalk along the south side of Highway 43 adjacent to Bambenek Fields between Franklin Street and Mankato Avenue.

Project Summary and Response

In response to public input and detailed engineering analysis, we’ve refined the scope of the Highway 43 project to improve pedestrian safety and mobility, traffic flow, and infrastructure conditions. The project, with an estimated cost of $7.1 million, is slated for completion in 2028.

Proposed Design Layout

Final Project Components

Infrastructure Improvements

• Repave Hwy 43 from Mankato Avenue to the state line
• New 3 lane section with median removal from 4th to Broadway St.
• Striped bike lanes from Mankato Avenue to the river bridge
• Miscellaneous drainage improvements

Intersection Improvements

• New left turn lanes on Hwy 43 at Franklin, 4th, 5th, and Broadway St.
• Traffic signal replacement at Broadway St., conversion to two-way stop control at 5th St. (stop signs on the 5th St. approaches), and conversion to all-way stop at 4th St. Additional crossing enhancements are being considered at 5th St.
• Geometric truck turning improvements at Sarnia/Main St.

Pedestrian Safety and Mobility

• Numerous additional bump-outs to shorten pedestrian crossings throughout the corridor
• Improved sidewalks and pedestrian ramps to meet ADA standards
• New sidewalk along south side of Hwy 43 from Mankato Ave. to Franklin St.
• Enhanced crossing with pedestrian flashers at the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center

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

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