[Winona] Huff street

[Keith Nelson]

[Winona Online Democracy]

The design information for the Huff street underpass is very preliminary.  The next step will be to hire an engineering firm to do some preliminary design and sketches.  At that point we should start to see what issues will develop, and what the solutions to those issues may be.   I will provide what information I have in reference to the few questions and comments that I have received.  I particularly liked the idea of a fact finding trip to the “Chunnel” between England and France.  That could take two weeks to get all the information.  Are we building the “Huffel?”   Huff street has the highest “exposure factor” of all city intersections.  The exposure factor is a product of vehicle traffic and train traffic.  That train traffic includes switching engines.  Broadway and Mankato avenues followed next.  These numbers do not include the added benefit of the proposed pedestrian crossings on Johnson and Winona streets.   Yes, the water table is going to be a significant design issue.  The estimate includes a pumping station to remove the water when required.  It will also require additional storm sewer pipe installation.   My favorite question so far was from someone trying to picture what this may structure may look like.  We do not yet have a drawing but yes the road will go down starting near Sarnia and coming back up well beyond Mark.  At the same time the railroad tracks will be raised so that trains will indeed be above the vehicles. This person was not able to picture the trains overhead.  It really is quite common and I would kindly recommend a little more travel outside of Winona.  (not nasty sarcasm only friendly ribbing)  This was found to be the least disruptive to the area.  It looks like the roadway will need to be about 15’ below the railroad.  I do not know how high the tracks can be raised.  Eight foot wide bike pedestrian ways will be on each side of Huff street as part of the underpass.   Bob Sebo asked too many questions at one time for me to answer.  Along those lines, the City Council may be asking that the past transportation study that addressed many of Bob’s questions be brought up to date.  As far as the four lanes being completed between Winona and I 90, I would not hold my breath as long as highway 52 construction between Rochester and the Twin Cities is under construction.  That seems to be taking all the money for many years to come.  Also traffic volume on TH 43 road does not warrant the improvements at this time.   Not many questions from the lurkers, although I’ve received some friendly harassment from a fellow employee’s early morning golf partners and others who think I like the electronic “kick me” sign.   Keith Nelson City of Winona Public Works Winona, MN 507 457 8274

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