Interchange and roundabout safety improvement concepts moving forward in study process

WILLMAR, Minn. – following a community input process, the number of potential improvements for the intersection of Highway 23 and Highway 9 in New London has been narrowed from four to two. Both the interchange and roundabout concepts showed support from the community and will move forward in the process for further community input. The J-turn and traffic signal concepts are not moving forward.

Community input showed very little support for the J-turn concept.

The community asked and MnDOT felt it was important to look into the traffic signal concept, but it has an estimated increase of 28% in serious and fatal crashes and will not move forward as an option.

MnDOT connected with the community both online and in-person to gather input on community priorities for the intersection and on potential safety improvement concepts starting in August of 2022.

Feedback was given through surveys (online and paper), an in-person public meeting, and through several one-on-one meetings with local fire, EMS, law enforcement, schools, health care, freight/trucking, busing, businesses and senior living communities.

MnDOT is planning public meetings (in-person and online) where the community can learn more about the interchange and roundabout concepts including timelines and funding sources. Feedback will be taken at both meetings. More information will be provided to the community on both meetings as it becomes available.

MnDOT hopes to have a decision made by late winter/early spring 2023.

For more information about the community process and to view a list of advisory group members, visit www.mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy23newlondon or contact Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, Public Engagement, at mandi.lighthizer-schmidt@state.mn.us.

###