Construction is set to begin shortly on the final phase of Winona State University’s new Pedestrian Tunnels.
The tunnels project will create two pedestrian railway underpasses, one at Winona Street between the New Residence Halls and one at Johnson Street near the entrance to Maxwell Field, to improve pedestrian safety near the railroad tracks.
Box culverts were installed under the railroad tracks last summer, and construction will now begin on the approaches, ramps and stairs at each tunnel entrance. Work will begin on the Winona Street tunnel first, then move to the Johnson Street tunnel, and will include landscaping and site security improvements extending along the tracks to create a safe environment.
WSU has contracted with ECCO Construction out of Hastings, Minn., to complete this phase of the project, with estimated completion in fall 2016.
The project is a joint venture between WSU, CP Rail and Minnesota Department of Transportation, and has been under development since 2008. To view an animated concept video of the Pedestrian Tunnels project, visit: http://www.winona.edu/facilities/Pedestrian-Tunnels.asp.
For more information, call the WSU Communications Office at 507-457-5024.
