Expect traffic delays on Hwy 61 this week as crews pave the roundabout

First things first in this week’s update from MnDot: If you are trying to reach us, you can turn at Parks Ave/Frontenac Dr or, as always, you can get to us via Hwy 61 and Parks Ave. According to MnDot, we should use the zipper merge on Hwy 61 to ease back-ups. That means keeping the lines fairly even and taking turns at the merge. Kindness toward fellow travelers helps traffic moving more smoothly and helps keep drivers, their passengers and workers safe. Please be extra attentive for changes in the construction zone. Here are the details on this week’s work. Expect significant traffic delays on Hwy 61 beginning Monday, July 25. Single-lane traffic will be required on Hwy 61 approaching the Hwy 43 intersection.

• Crews will be building a temporary ramp on southbound Hwy 43/Mankato Ave to connect with the roundabout
• Short midday traffic stoppages are scheduled to occur Monday and Tuesday (July 25-26) while overhead signs are installed on Hwy 61. Traffic will be stopped on the road for 5-10 minutes for motorist safety while the signs are hoisted and secured over the road

Hwy 43/Hwy 61 roundabout is scheduled to open late in the week (we will send specific dates next week to ensure there are no equipment or weather delays in advance). Pavement markings (directional arrows, crosswalk bars) will be placed. East Lake Blvd will open, connecting with Sugar Loaf Road, and Hwy 43. This will occur around the time of the roundabout opening next week. Additional work requiring lane closures on Hwy 61 and in the roundabout will be occurring through the week of Aug. 1 as construction crews continue to connect the road and the roundabout with paving. Please stay alert and aware of road crews. Other traffic impacts that continue to occur: Temporary traffic signals are in place at Hwy 61, Hwy 43, Riverbend Road and Frontenac Drive. Expect traffic delays through the work zone. Left turns from either direction on Hwy 43/Mankato Avenue are only allowed at the traffic signal at Frontenac Drive. Access to destinations on the Winona Health side of the road can be done at Frontenac, when making a left turn or use Hwy 61 and access those destinations via Parks Avenue. For full details on this week’s road construction, visit MnDOT’s Hwy 43 reconstruction site. Stay informed about construction work Check the Updates tab for the most recent details about construction and traffic impacts. Sign up for weekly project email and/or text message updates.