Wanamingo Roundabout Coming Soon, Medford was the First

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says motorists will encounter detours when the Highway 57 and Highway 60 roundabout project in Wanamingo begins construction on Monday, May 4.

The first roundabout in Minnesota was constructed in Medford in 1995.  By March of 2006 there were 10 roundabouts in our state.  Currently MnDOT says, "There is no definitive count of roundabouts across Minnesota, but it is likely nearing 200 across the state on all roads."

MnDOT can tell you how many bridges there are in the state but they can't tell us how many roundabouts there are? Bridges are numbered right?  Just number the roundabouts as you are constructing them.

MnDOT District 6 Communications Director Mike Dougherty tells KDHL MnDOT has 96 roundabouts across the state but there are many county and city roundabouts also.

According to a Minnesota Department of Transportation news release:

The Highway 57 and Highway 60 intersection will be closed during construction with the following detours in place:

• Highway 60 detour:  Eastbound through traffic follows Goodhue County Road 1 south to Goodhue County Road 12 east to Goodhue County Road 10 east to Zumbrota where it connects with Highway 52.  Westbound is reverse.
• Highway 57 detour:  Southbound through traffic follows Goodhue County Road 30 west to Goodhue County Road 1 to Goodhue County Road 12 east.  Northbound route is reverse.

Beside the construction of the new roundabout, the $1.77 million dollar project includes development of a path for bicyclists and pedestrians on the east side of HIghway 57 and installation of roadway lighting.

Mathiowetz Construction is the contractor for the project which is scheduled for completion in July.

MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service with the Governor's Stay at Home executive order.

The MnDOT website says roundabouts provide better safety, better traffic flow and better fuel efficiency and air quality.

According to MnDOT's 2017 study of traffic safety at roundabouts there has been an 86% reduction in the fatal crash rate at intersections where roundabouts have been placed.

Am 83% reduction in the serious injury crash rate at intersections where roundabouts have been installed.

A 69% reduction in the right angle crash rate at intersections where single lane roundabouts have bee located.

An 83% reduction in left turning crash rate at intersections where single lane roundabouts have been placed.

A 61% reduction in the injury crash rate at intersections where single lane roundabouts have been located.

A 42% overall reduction in the injury crash rate at intersections with all types of roundabouts.