[Winona Online Democracy] Truck route planning is probably too much detail if the Committee is developing a "visioning process" and not actually intending to do anything in the near future. But never-the-less, I'll offer these thoughts:
The Chamber of Commerce Transportation Task Force's top priority for spending the proceeds from the half-cent sales tax is a Lousia Street overpass with a direct connection to Hwy 43 via a new intersection with 61 just east of Fleet-Farm. Might this result in an eventual rerouting of 43 through town? If delays at rail crossings are enough of a hardship for the trucking industry to justify the Pelzer Street project, won't truckers headed for destinations other than east end industries prefer to cross the tracks on the new Lousia bridge instead of on Franklin or Main. If so, will we have dual Hwy 43 routes or an entirely new one through the east end of town? At a MnDot open house a month ago I asked the highway planners about this and they said they would soon be in talks with the city about it. Other items on MnDot's agenda are new bridges. I-90 over the River at Onalaska is first on their list followed by Winona's interstate bridge. However, while they are going to do I-90 in a year or two, our bridge won't be replaced for ten years or so, assuming they can figure out how to pay for it. Whether it would be a complete replacement or dual spans like LaCrosse's Cass Street isn't known. Also not known is just where a new structure would be located. But wherever it's built, it would have a significant effect on downtown. _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
