[Winona] traffic problems

[cnelson]

I also find this subject of interest since a majority of my work time is spent behind the steering wheel.  I grew up in Winona, moved away from Winona, and then returned to Winona.  During all of my life I think traffic has been a "hot" topic of discussion that always gets a "cool" response.  How many years did it take to get the traffic light at Huff and Sarnia St?  Winona embraces change very slowly and in some cases that is what makes Winona a great place to live.  Sometimes is just frustrates the heck out of me!    Just take a look at all of the traffic studies that have been done around Winona and then compare the recommendations to the work that has/hasn't/or has taken years to complete.  Look at the Hwy. 61 mess for instance.  How many more studies ($$$$) need to be done to tell us there is a problem with this roadway?  How many more injury accidents need to happen at Hwy. 61 and Orrin St. before anything is done?  Look at the crazy intersection at Hwy. 61 and Gilmore Ave.  I would like to know what angle that intersection is at!  Why aren't the traffic lights hooked up so you can make a green light at Hwy. 61/Junction St and Hwy. 61/ Gilmore Ave?  Why did the state allow the access point at Hwy. 61 at Fleet Farm?  How many more people need to be killed or seriously injured there?  Why is the speed limit 55 mph at Hwy. 61 and Mankato Ave., which is one of the busiest in town?   Just a few more points:   1) When two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection at or at about the same time the vehicle on the right has the right away.  You still must reduce your speed prior to entering an intersection even if you have the right away.  If you enter an intersection at above the posted limit you forfeit your right to that intersection.    2) The police department went to the city council concerning the 4th St. intersections around Watkins and requested stop signs due to recent injury accidents and reduced visibility because of  how close the buildings are to the intersection.  The stop signs were shot down.  Thus, I suppose, other stop signs may also be shot down that will come before the city council.   3) Intersections around town should be evaluated to see what was the cause of the accident(s) prior to stop signs being placed.  Sometimes there are intersections that have design faults or other reasons for accidents i.e. trees hanging low, bushes, fences, impaired drivers.  Stopping at every other block would make the auto mechanics happy in Winona due to the increase in brake lining sales.  If signs are needed, I would suggest yield signs.  That way visitors would know to yield and if there isn't any traffic one wouldn't need to come to a complete stop.  This would reduce noise at the intersection and clarify who has the right of way.   4) What impact will the new Winona State dorms have on the Franklin St. intersections and the one of major concern is Franklin and Sarnia St?  There already needs to be a traffic light there.   5) How about some one way east/west streets to ease congestion on Broadway?   6) Before a stop sign can be placed at Mill and Main there would have to be approval from the council and then an ordinance.  I can see the logic (compared to the rest of the intersections) behind not having one since Main St. south of Sarnia isn't a collector street anymore.     I could go on and on and on.   Chris Nelson