Temporary lanes built for next phase of road construction

Crews are continuing to build temporary traffic lanes on Hwy. 61 that motorists will use during the next phase of work, possibly as early as one week from now. As you approach the intersection of Hwy. 61/43, be alert for turn lanes and through lanes. Traveling south on Hwy. 43/Mankato Avenue, the left lane at the intersection of Hwy. 61 is a left-turn lane only. Watch for similar turn lanes. Look for new zipper merge signs on Hwy. 61 in each direction. This should help improve traffic backups on the road. Trees were removed near Perkins. The trees were reviewed to see if it was possible to keep them, but most were within the work zone for upcoming drainage work and some were in poor, deteriorated condition. The trees were all on MnDOT property. All businesses can be accessed through the work zone. Private utility work not related to this project is occurring on Menard Road adjacent to Mankato Avenue. Looking ahead Construction will begin on Hwy. 43/Mankato Ave. by May 20, weather permitting. Access to East Lake Blvd. near the corner of Hwy. 43/61 will be closed around May 20, and there will be no through traffic on East Lake Blvd. Other work that will start around May 20: Work will begin on the west side, near Winona Health. Crews will build the roundabouts one half at a time. Parks Avenue, near Dairy Queen and Winona Health, will be the first intersection that is temporarily closed during construction. Detour maps will be posted closer to the time the work takes place. Motorists can also reach these destinations via Parks Avenue off Hwy. 61. Crews will only close one side street at a time, leaving the remaining two streets open to allow access to destinations. As they complete one, they will open it and move on to the next. No left turns will be allowed, but detour signs will show motorists how to turn right and cross Mankato Ave. Detour maps will be posted on the project website in the coming weeks and shared via email. Temporary traffic signals will be installed throughout Mankato Ave./Hwy 43 when this work begins. Work on Sarnia Street to replace a box culvert (a concrete structure used for drainage and road work) will begin in mid-June. There may be a short-term detour on Hwy. 43 during this work. You can visit the project website and sign up for updates and provide project feedback.