Bench Street/Tyler Road Median

Serious crashes and ongoing safety concerns have prompted MnDOT to permanently close two median crossings between Bench Street and Tyler Road along Highway 61 in Red Wing.

Right turns to and from Highway 61 will still be allowed at each intersection.

The closures, scheduled for June, weather permitting, are designed to improve safety on the Highway 61 corridor.

Both intersections have a history of severe right-angle and left-turn crashes—two of the most dangerous crash types on high-speed highways. Closing the median removes the direct crossing and left-turn movementsthat lead to these crashes.

Thirty-six crashes have been recorded at the median intersection east of Hedin Avenue in the past 10 years, and approximately 70% were right-angle or left-turn crashes.

Red Wing Avenue has similar characteristics and also poses a risk for serious crashes.

You can still reach businesses on both sides of Highway 61. You just won’t be able to make left turns between Bench Street and Tyler Road both from Highway 61 and onto Highway 61.

To reach either side of the frontage roads, travel to the intersections with traffic signals, Tyler Road and Bench Street.