After consulting closely with federal, state and local officials, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is recommending that a new two-lane bridge be constructed parallel to the Highway 43 bridge in Winona and that the existing bridge be rehabilitated for continued use.
          
The new two-lane bridge would be constructed upstream of the existing bridge, with access from the intersection of 4th Street and Winona Street. The new bridge will also tie in to Highway 43 on Latsch Island.
          
This recommendation will allow the new bridge to be constructed first. Traffic then will switch to the new bridge while the existing bridge is rehabilitated. Traffic impacts will be minimal during bridge construction and rehabilitation. However, motorists should expect some disruption during the 4th Street and Winona Street intersection construction.
           
The new bridge will include bicycle/pedestrian accommodations. The sidewalk on the existing bridge will be removed when the bridge is rehabilitated.
           
When the project is complete, the existing bridge will carry two lanes of traffic out of Winona and the new bridge will carry two lanes of traffic into Winona.
           
An open-house will be scheduled in late September for the public to learn more about the recommendation, ask questions and provide input.
          
An updated schedule for the Winona Bridge project indicates final design and right of way acquisition to be complete in late 2014 to early 2015. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2015.