Signal timing and traffic flow improves in work zone

The road off HWY 61 next to the Y is always open to Winona Health. Thank you for your care as you travel through the construction. Please watch for workers and pedestrians and be patient with fellow drivers. Remember there may be visitors in our area or others who not familiar with this segment of road construction. Everyone matters! MnDOT’s June 2 update: Thank you for your continued patience as the signal timing improves through the work zone. It still is slow but traffic flow has improved significantly since the transition from permanent signals to temporary signals last week. We continue to monitor the backups and will be troubleshooting any issues where we can improve motorist awareness, signal timing and traffic flow, while continuing to keep the work zone safe for workers and motorists. We appreciate your care and caution when driving through the work zone. You can help continue a safe work zone by being alert to the signs, signaling your turns or lane changes and being polite with other drivers who might not have driven through this area before. Thank you. Current work Work to improve traffic flow through this busy work zone has improved traffic flow, but traffic delays will continue, especially at peak morning and afternoon travel times. MnDOT and its contractors have: • Improved signal length, timing and synchronization • Added or will be adding pavement markings to improve clarity for motorists • Added signs for motorists • Looked at improvements where traffic bottlenecks are occurring Construction work continues along East Lake Boulevard as Xcel Energy moves a large gas line. East Lake Boulevard as well as Sugar Loaf Road near the corner of Hwy 43/61 is closed for construction. There is no through traffic on East Lake Boulevard. Detour routes are: • Use Huff Street at Hwy 61 to reach residences, businesses, destinations along East Lake Boulevard • Use Sugar Loaf Road at Hwy 43 to reach residences, businesses, destinations along Sugar Loaf Road Continue to be alert on Mankato Avenue at intersections for turn lanes or where turns are not allowed. We are adding some pavement markings and signs to catch the attention of drivers who might not be seeing the current directions in the work zones. All businesses can be accessed through the work zone. • If you are trying to reach Dairy Queen, Winona Health, the Winona Family YMCA and others located along that side of Mankato Avenue, you can turn at Frontenac Drive or you can reach them via Hwy 61 and Parks Avenue. Lookahead • Crews will only close one side street at a time, leaving the remaining two open to allow access to destinations. As they complete one, they open it and move to the next. • There will be sanitary sewer installation crossing by Dairy Queen • Work on Sarnia Street with the box culvert is estimated to begin in mid-June Access manager for businesses • Businesses that have questions or concerns about access may contact Hoffman Construction’s access manager, Kyle Pedersen at 715-896-2038. Email Kyle.