Lane closures, brief traffic stoppages planned as Hwy 43/Mankato Ave. wraps up in Winona

WINONA, Minn. – Motorists on Hwy 43/Mankato Avenue will encounter lane closures and brief traffic stoppages with flaggers through the end of July as the contractor completes final work on the roundabout project in Winona, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The contractor on the project, which was substantially completed in 2022, has been finishing final work such as landscaping, paving, signs, striping and concrete repairs this year. Lane closures and brief stops of traffic with flaggers will be required to complete the remainder of the work.

Crews built four roundabouts between Hwy 61 and Sarnia along Hwy 43/Mankato Avenue. Pedestrian and bike paths were improved and upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Additionally, the city of Winona’s underground water and sewer utilities were replaced and improved.

Roundabout reminders

Roundabouts improve safety at intersections and improve the movement of traffic through these area compared with intersections where traffic signals were in place, but we still rely on drivers to be alert and follow the rules of the road.

A few reminders

Watch for pedestrians as you prepare to enter the roundabout
The vehicle in the roundabout has the right of way. If you are entering the roundabout, you must yield to vehicles in the roundabout. You’ll see a yield sign as you approach.
Slow down as you approach the roundabout. It allows you a better ability to scan for pedestrians and allows you to safely pick your gap in traffic to enter the roundabout to proceed where you want to go.
Watch for the vehicle in front of you and be prepared to stop, if they do so.

Looking for more information? Watch this video for tips and how pedestrian crossings and traffic work.

Additional resources

Below are additional resources that explain roundabout benefits and tips to navigate them safely.

Navigating a Multi-Lane Roundabout (video)
Minnesota Roundabout Resources (MnDOT website includes videos, brochures, research, examples)
How Roundabouts Work (WisDOT website includes videos, brochures, FAQ)

Stay connected, informed

Learn more about the Hwy 43 project and check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for updates.

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