Congressional Transportation Status Report- District 8 Overview

About MnDOT District 8

District 8, located in west-southwest Minnesota, extends from the South Dakota border to the Metro area. Roughly the size of Massachusetts, the district maintains a cohesive transportation support network throughout 12 counties: Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville and Yellow Medicine. This integrated network comprises 13 percent of the state’s airports, 12 percent of its centerline miles, 10 percent of public transit systems and nine percent of its rail lines.

Increasingly, demand is being placed on the transportation system due to the wide disparity in population growth around the district and the increased commerce between regional trade centers. Expanded agricultural commerce, along with an increase in shipments between regional trade centers has intensified existing demands on the transportation system. With a priority on safety, the District sets project precedence based on the mobility needs of its users.

The continued growth in this investment demand, coupled with limited financial resources, is narrowing the options available. By continually seeking partnership opportunities, District 8 seeks to maximize its limited financial resources.

About District 8

Safety

MnDOT District 8 initiated and continues to promote the Southwest Minnesota Towards Zero Deaths program. MnDOT District 8 will invest 80 percent of its capital resources over the next 10-years in system preservation. These investments will provide a safe and reliable transportation system. MnDOT District 8 is using Intersection Control Evaluations, spot improvements and proactive / reactive safety investments to address safety problems.

Mobility

MnDOT District 8 initiated and funded the Hwy 23 Paynesville Bypass in District 3 in order to improve mobility on Hwy 23 and enhance the area's economy and quality-of-life for residents.

The district is also participating in a joint freight study with D4 and D2 to better identify freight issues and concerns in the region.

Innovation

MnDOT District 8 has fostered partnerships with our transportation partners to maximize state and local resources. The district and its transportation partners worked together to construct the Hutchinson Area Transportation Services building and the Lincoln County Shop facility and now share these facilities.

The district also has the first MnDOT facility with a wind generator, allowing the facility to provide its own energy.

Leadership

MnDOT District 8 has empowered its employees by using work-force planning and shared work-team problem solving to help address potential issues and optimize resources for the maximum benefit to taxpayers.

Transparency

The district encourages the public to voice their support or concerns in the development of state and district long-range plans. District 8 actively engages the Southwest Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership and meets with its partners, business owners and the public in face-to-face meetings to ensure open communication.

Minnesota Department of Transportation