Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) District 6 staff held a public meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2024, to share information on the proposed Hwy. 44/76/North Kingston St. roundabout and gather feedback from Caledonia community members.
Approximately 40 interested residents and business owners attended the meeting at the Caledonia city auditorium. After a short presentation by MnDOT District 6 Project Manager Tom Austin, attendees had an opportunity to comment and ask questions. The information gathered will be used during the design process.
Residents also had an opportunity to visit with MnDOT during Caledonia’s Founder’s Day Car Show on Saturday, June 15, and share their ideas and ask questions.
Residents can also provide feedback via an online survey at talk.dot.state.mn.us/hwy-44-and-hwy-76-caledonia-roundabout/surveys/why-a-roundabout-what-do-you-think, the survey closes on July 7.
During his presentation, Austin stressed that the project’s goal is the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. He emphasized that they want to make the community safe and get families safely home at night.
At the April 8 Caledonia city council meeting, Austin shared that the fatality or severe injury crash rate at the proposed intersection is 35 times the state average of 0.22%.
According to MnDOT’s 2017 traffic safety study, roundabouts have had over an 80% reduction in fatal or serious injury crashes.
Caledonia resident Robert (Bob) Burns expressed his concerns, stating, “A roundabout is not good for Caledonia”. He distributed a written statement outlining his concerns and proposed several alternatives.
Burns suggested that the speed limit through Caledonia be reduced to 40 mph like Fountain, Preston, Canton, and La Crescent.
Burns continued on to say, “Instead of spending five million (likely seven) on the roundabout why not extend Warrior Drive out to Hwy. 76 which would have a fourfold benefit: 1. Less costly (about 1/3 the cost of the roundabout). 2. Reduce traffic congestion at Esch Dr. Intersection with Hwy 44/76. 3. Allows alternate routes if there’s is an accident at Esch and Warrior Drs. or Hwy 44/76 and Kingston St. (detour on Co 20 to Hwy 76 then to Warrior Dr. 4. Help future development of property on either side of Warrior Dr.”
Reverend Cyndy Spear, Caledonia Methodist Church stated that she is “fully in support” of the roundabout.
In response to a question regarding semis, Austin stated that they have learned over the years that they need to make the roundabouts large enough for large vehicles, such as semi-trucks.
When asked for his opinion after the meeting, Caledonia Haulers CEO/President Dennis Gavin stated that their trucks navigate roundabouts all over the country.
To stay up-to-date on the project subscribe at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDOT/subscribers/qualify.
For more information on roundabouts check out MnDOT’s newsfeed, talk.dot.state.mn.us/hwy-44-and-hwy-76-caledonia-roundabout?tool=news_feed#tool_tab.
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