News Release

Mankato , Minn. – Area residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to attend the first open house that will highlight improvements to U.S. Highway 169 ( Minnesota Avenue ) in St. Peter. The open house is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 at the St. Peter Senior Center in the Community Center, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

“We have been identifying potential improvements to Minnesota Avenue through St. Peter,” explained Peter Harff, project manger. “And now is the time to gather input from the community before any major decisions are made.”

Balancing the needs of through traffic, local traffic and pedestrians while being sensitive to the history of St. Peter will be challenging for Mn/DOT and others involved. Items that will be considered include medians, access control and aesthetics. Mn/DOT is working closely with the City of St. Peter , businesses, Gustavus Adolphus College and the state and local historic preservation groups through advisory committees that will meet periodically during the project development.

A project is tentatively scheduled for 2009 construction. For more information, including historical photos, go to http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/169stpeter/index.html .

Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate can contact Rebecca Arndt at 507-389-6883 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.