The City of Hinckley is voicing its frustrations over how MnDOT plans to handle traffic during a bridge replacement project scheduled for the I35 bridge in 2024/2025.
According to the city, MnDOT’s updated plan has the southbound I35 entrance and exit ramps being closed to traffic during the summer construction season while both northbound ramps would remain open.
"You can check in, but you can't check out," Councilmember Tim Burkhardt said in response to the proposal.
In response, staff and the council voiced concerns over safety and traffic impacts as it will force extra traffic onto Highway 61 or Highway 48 and County Road 15.
As the discussion continued, Fire Chief Elliot Golly voiced concerns about the fire department's ability to respond to calls, to which City Administrator Kyle Morrel said, "It's problematic for everyone."
Hinckley Mayor Don Zeman proposed leaving accommodations for first responders.
"To eliminate that access point, it really could cause some problems."
"Response times would be unbelievable," responded Burkhard.
"Look at the traffic they get into. Lights and sirens don't do any good when it's back to back for miles," said Zeman.
To try and get MnDOT to rethink its traffic plan, the council voted on a resolution affirming the need for the construction but opposed the current plans that they say would negatively impact the city.
That resolution was later approved during a special meeting held on July 19.
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