Road construction update: September 9, 2022

When coming to Winona Health, remember that the entrance from Hwy 61 next to the YMCA will always be open. Construction work continues on the Hwy 43 project in Winona. Traffic changes and new work is starting so crews can finish in November. Traffic changes Traffic changes on Hwy 43/Mankato Ave will take place Sept. 9. They are anticipated to last through October. Northbound and southbound traffic will be moved to the new pavement on the west side of the road (the same side as Winona Health). This will allow crews to begin building the other half of the road and roundabouts. Left turns will not be allowed in either direction on Hwy 43/Mankato Ave between Sarnia St and the Hwy 43/61 roundabout. Trying to make left turns will cause traffic backups and there will be times that those side road entrances will be closed for construction. If you are going southbound and you want to go east onto Bruski Dr, Riverbend Rd or Frontenac Dr, you will have to go south to the Hwy 61/43 roundabout and come back north and turn right onto your desired street. View a map here. If you are going northbound and you want to go west onto Parks Ave South, Riverbend Rd or Parks Ave North, you will have to take a right turn at one of the intersections going east, go around the block and travel west straight across Mankato Ave. View a map here. Additional construction updates • All businesses can be accessed through the work zone. • Both lanes of Hwy 61 are open going into the Hwy 61/43 roundabout. Remember to view the overhead signs that direct you to which lane is best for the direction you want to travel after you exit the roundabout. • Watch for crews pouring concrete for curbs and gutters along Hwy 43 near Kwik Trip and near Parks Ave South. Crews will be removing the pavement on the east side of Hwy 43/Mankato Ave to begin the digging work to install a watermain and other underground utilities. • At Sarnia St, metal sheets will be driven into the ground to assist with the installation of the large concrete culvert (a concrete structure for drainage). The work is likely to produce a loud pounding noise until the metal can be driven into the ground. Safety Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to:

• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Go hands-free and minimize other distractions (e.g., don’t eat or drink while driving).
• Follow posted speed limits; the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
• Avoid making lane changes within work zones.

Stay up to date on MnDOT’s project page, where you’ll also find helpful tips and information all about roundabouts: Updates – Hwy 43 reconstruction – MnDOT.