NEW LONDON — The public will get their opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding safety improvements to the intersection of Minnesota Highways 23 and 9 in New London.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation District 8 has brought Pamela Whitmore, of Whitmore Resolution Group, to lead the engagement process, which is expected to take approximately six months, according to a news release from MnDOT.
MnDOT had a plan in place to construct a J-turn at the intersection but, after significant public pushback , decided to pause work on the project. Due to the pause, the intersection will remain pretty much as it is until 2024 or later, the release said. Other safety improvements around the area will be constructed this year, including dedicated left turn lanes near the Country Stop and bump-outs and mid-block crossings near the New London-Spicer school.
As part of the public engagement process, an advisory group will be established to assist. The group will play an integral part in analyzing potential safety solutions for the intersection, consider public feedback and make a recommendation to MnDOT on a potential solution that can be implemented within the next five years, the release said. The solution should also allow for future growth, minimize impacts on adjacent properties and assure the flow of commerce on Highway 23.
Both in-person and virtual public input sessions will be held, with dates to be determined. Information on the public engagement, along with project information can be found at www.dot.state.mn.us/d8/projects/hwy23newlondon.
