MnDOT pauses safety project on Highways 23 and 9 in New London after public concerns

Shelby Lindrud, West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minn.
·2 min read

Dec. 8—NEW LONDON — A safety improvement project at state Highways 23 and 9 by New London has been paused as the Minnesota Department of Transportation District 8 re-evaluates the plans following ongoing concerns from the New London City Council and others in the public.

"We've made the decision to step back to have more discussion with the community and other stakeholders to assure all perspectives of the project are considered," said Jon Huseby, District 8 engineer, in a news release announcing the project pause.

The decision to pull back on the project means the intersection will remain pretty much in its current condition until the re-evaluation is complete, the news release said, and could delay any major improvements to 2024 and beyond.

The project, in its current state, was to include the construction of a J-turn at the intersection, which MnDOT had decided was the best way to address safety issues. The release said concerns were raised by the public after the safety assessment of the intersection was completed.

While the release did not specific what those concerns were, MnDOT said it wanted to take the time to re-evaluate the safety options for the intersection and have more discussions with project stakeholders as priorities for the project might have changed since work began in 2017.

"I want to be transparent about the fact that a J-turn design is still a viable option for the intersection and will be evaluated along with other safety improvement options. MnDOT must balance the needs of many. Freight and other through traffic on Highway 23 are also important stakeholders and their input will be sought as part of the process," Huseby said.

At a J-turn, drivers approaching a divided highway from a side street are not allowed to make left turns or cross traffic. Drivers make only a right turn. Those wanting to go across or go left then use U-turns constructed in the divided highway median.

Some aspects of the overall project in New London, including dedicated left-turn lanes at the Country Stop, a mid-block pedestrian crossing in front of the New London-Spicer school, mid-block pedestrian crossing near Third Avenue Southeast and the replacement of portions of the retaining wall along the Mill Pond, are still scheduled to be completed.

More information about the Highway 23 and Highway 9 safety improvement project can be found online at www.mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy23newlondon.