Transit options begin Monday for Winona Highway 43 bridge closure

ROCHESTER, Minn.—The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city of Winona have developed a plan of transit options for commuters who travel on the Highway 43 bridge over the Mississippi River, which closed June 3 after state inspectors discovered corrosion in the structure’s gusset plates in several locations.

These transit options include:

Ferries will be available to transport people across the Mississippi River from Latsch Island on the Wisconsin side of the river back and forth to Levee Park in Winona. Ferries will run from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday. There may be some limited ferry service over the weekend.

Bridge shuttle buses will transport commuters to and from the ferries.

Bridge shuttle park-and-ride locations have been set up at the Cochrane-Fountain City High School, Fountain City Community Park, Centerville Curling Club and Town of Buffalo Community Park.

City of Winona’s public transit is being expanded to take commuters from Levee Park in Winona to their work destinations in the city.

All residents in Winona who work in Wisconsin can take a reverse trip on the ferry and the shuttle service to the park-and-ride locations.
All these plans are subject to change. Adjustments may be made based on usage.

At this time, the Highway 43 bridge remains closed to all public traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists (except emergency vehicles). Those who enter the closed area are subject to fines.

The southern detour route for the Highway 43 bridge closure is Highway 43 to Highway 14/Highway 61 to Interstate 90 over the Mississippi River Bridge near Dresbach, to Wisconsin Highway 53, back to Wisconsin Highway 54. Detour length is 65 miles.

For more information on commuter options, go to the city of Winona Web site at click here.

For more information about the Highway 43 bridge closure, go to Mn/DOT's Web site at www.mndot.gov.