Mankato Ave. Reconstruction Project Begins

WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-Years of planning and discussion are in the rearview mirror as the Mankato Avenue Reconstruction Project got underway Monday.  

Crews began work on the half-mile project at the intersection of Highways 43 and 61.   

“You’ll see a lot of traffic barrels going up, some barricades, maybe some squeezing down of traffic in single lanes as you come through there,” MnDOT District 6 Spokesman Mike Dougherty said.  

Later stages of the project will cut Mankato Ave. down from four lanes to two. Dougherty says access to Winona Health will remain available during the work. 

Andy Teska, Operations Director for Winona Area Ambulance, says they’re prepared to navigate traffic delays through the work zone. He has this advice for motorists who may see emergency vehicles in their rearview mirror in the construction area. 

“What we like to see is that people just continue moving forward [at a] nice even pace until you can get to an area where you can pull off safely,” Teska said. He said drivers should not suddenly swerve around barrels or off the road.   

Teska also said drivers should not slam on their brakes if there’s an emergency vehicle behind them.  

Crews will construct four roundabouts along Mankato Ave. between Sarnia St. and Hwy. 61. The majority of the work is scheduled to be completed by November with the finishing touches expected to be done by next spring.