All posts in the topic Relocation of the interstate bridge (Short link)
Summary
- There are 3 posts — by 3 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Bob Sebo at Jun 20 22:28 UTC
I am wondering if there is anyone who has followed up on the idea of having a
new interstate bridge come in up on Pelzer. Paul Double has mentioned it and I
also know that Walt Carroll was going to talk to someone about the idea.
We have that wonderful road over the railroad out there and it would certainly
be easier to direct truck traffic and car traffic from an intersection out in
that area. I don't know if it is physically possible for it to happen or if it
is just an idea that won't work.
Are there any engineers or MNDOT people reading this that could answer whether
it is possible or not?
Thanks
Joliene Olson
Sunday I drove out on Prairie Island to check other possibilities. There is
a utility easement the runs from the spillway and cut back in on the east
side of Ticona's plant. There is also Prairie Island Road and a cart way
road that runs on the east side of the airport hangers. I throw these into
the discussion as possible variation if the Fish and Wildlife or DNR have
issues. A dike road was allowed at Wabasha to connect to 35. The distance
to highway 35 looks shorter or about the same from Prairie Island Road
(Spillway) than the current bridge from Winona to 35. Check it out on
Google Earth as well.
The other idea that should be discussed and researched is putting the "Civic
Auditorium" or whatever is called on Latch Island with a marina upgrade and
the bridge as part of a comprehensive plan. I think Vancouver Island or the
impressive Australian theater on the water make good visual pictures or
models of what might be.
Paul Double
To repeat, the main channel span (which is the only issue here, I think) is
completely in Minnesota. Wisconsin has nothing to do with it. Add to this
that Wisconsin built a new back channel bridge (and rebuilt the rail
overpass across from the Spur) not that long ago, and that the current
configuration is the only motor vehicle access to Latsch Island and the
municipal harbor....I don't see how we move the bridge to Pelzer or Mankato.
I'm with Les (speaking of which...can you please resend that PDF of your
drawing to me, Les...I foolishly discarded it)...let's explore the
possibility of a span that would meet the foot of Huff and transfer
commercial and thru traffic onto Riverview Drive. I would think local
traffic could be routed onto Huff via some kind of exit ramp.
Huff remains 2 lanes and no trucks...Riverview picks up the heavy traffic
but not so much that its 2 lanes can't accomodate it. I mean...Riverview
Drive can accomodate as much thru traffic as Main Street I would think.
What I don't want is a bridge on Main Street. Main isn't even a straight
shot to 61. It would destroy both downtown Winona and Latsch Island. I
think the bridge must be on the western edge of downtown...the other option
would be Washington, but I dont think we want to tear down the Courthouse
for a 4 lane bridge. I'd rather see Huff go trucks and 4 lanes...we could
build pedestrian bridges or subways. Windom Park has never been serene...it
would be less so under that scenario...I like the Riverview Drive option.
I had hoped for a La Crosse solution...another 2 lane bridge on
Washington...fix the 2 lane Winona Street bridge...I'm told it's too far
gone...so we don't have the option for the smaller footprint.
Just a simple country boy with lots of opinions.
Bob Sebo
Winona
PS...Bob Bambenek is looking for familes, farms, churches, schools,
clubs...anything that has been in Winona County for 150 years or more...the
Sebos will be on the list (1854 we showed up in Cedar Valley)...if you know
of any candidates call the County Recorder's Office!