It’s that time of year again when valleys flood, bridges close, and Highway 169 becomes the main vein across the Minnesota River for many commuters in our region, if it wasn’t already.
The added congestion and commute time only compounds the problems Shakopee and the surrounding communities have had with the highway, which is why we’ve been working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher to make Highway 169 more safe and dependable.
Just last week, representatives from the surrounding communities and myself sent a letter to Commissioner Anderson Kelliher asking MnDOT to conduct a study of Highway 169, which you can also sign alongside Sen. Pratt, Rep. Cantrell, and Rep. Albright, and myself here.
Our work with MnDOT has already seen success with the recent decision to restripe Highway 169. This swift action in collaboration with local leaders is a great step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of those traveling to and from our area.
While restriping will help this spring, we will continue to work with MnDOT to make sure Highway 169 receives the support it requires year-round. A study of the highway, especially from Marschall Road to the Bloomington Ferry Bridge, would help make this dangerous stretch safer. Since this year started, over 90 crashes have been reported in that area, and that number will only continue to rise. A study is needed to check for defects and irregularities in the roadway structure, confirm that this stretch of road receives an elevated rate of crashes, and to evaluate best management practices for inclement weather.
Highway 169 is incredibly important for Shakopee and the surrounding communities, and I invite you to join us in finding solutions to make it better.
Brad