Photo: TJ Leverentz/KWNO
WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-Two pedestrians have been struck by vehicles on Broadway St. in 2022.
During an interview on KWNO’s In the Know Monday, Winona Mayor Scott Sherman said the city is aware of renewed pedestrian safety concerns along the thoroughfare.
“I don’t care if you’re talking to staff, a community member, a council member, no one wants to see someone get hurt regardless of what the situation is,” Sherman said. “Ultimately it comes down to us to try and make these infrastructure pieces as safe as possible for people.”
Sherman said he wished the council would’ve passed a project meant to improve pedestrian safety by reducing traffic lanes on Broadway last year, but said he isn’t sure if the project would’ve prevented the two pedestrian crashes.
The mayor said he’s seen speed patrols on Broadway, but acknowledged Winona Police officers are often too busy responding to calls or in some cases don’t have enough staff to monitor traffic speeds on Broadway.
“I think, ultimately regardless if we have enforcement there or not, it is on the ownness of the public to drive safely, drive within the speed limit. Regardless if it’s Broadway or Lake Park Dr., we want to make sure that our streets are safe,” said Sherman.
On Jan. 20 a 19-year-old Ham Lake woman was hit while crossing Broadway at the Washington St. crosswalk. A 79-year-old Minnesota City man, who authorities believed to have been outside of a crosswalk, was hit near Zumbro St. on Feb. 2.
Both pedestrians suffered serious injuries.
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