Drivers who frequent Hwy. 12 in Delano may be interested in contributing their two cents on the future of their commute. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is currently seeking public feedback regarding the planned resurfacing project scheduled for 2030. This project will cover the stretch between Bridge Avenue and Co. Rd. 139, an area well-traveled and overdue for some TLC.
Community members are encouraged to add their voices to the conversation through a virtual open house, which launched on July 29 according to a Wright County announcement. Input gathered from locals will inform the selection among three different corridor alternatives for the Hwy. 12 project. The interactive platform also features a map where participants can leave comments on specific segments of the road, laying the groundwork for a project that reflects collective concern and consensus.
This form of community engagement is a critical step for MnDOT, aiming to blend technical expertise with the lived experiences of those who navigate these roads daily. Weaving through the city of Delano, Hwy. 12 is more than just asphalt and white lines; it is a lifeline for commuters, local businesses, and emergency services alike. The open house is an opportunity for residents to influence the project’s development long before the first cones hit the pavement.
The initiative demonstrates a move towards more collaborative urban planning, where the decisions about our streets don't just happen in boardrooms detached from the public sphere. Instead, engaging citizens directly in these foundational decisions that, dictate the rhythms of our daily movements. The virtual open house, running until Tuesday, Sept. 3, provides a convenient avenue for local residents to share their thoughts and preferences regarding the necessary improvements. For those wishing to participate in shaping the future of Hwy. 12 in Delano, it's as simple as clicking and commenting from the comfort of their own homes or businesses.
For more information or to make your voice heard, you can visit the virtual open house and take part in the survey. It's in these moments, where the chiseling of bits of feedback form the bedrock of community-driven change, that individuals can step forth and craft the thoroughfares that connect us beyond mere pathways, but to each other and the places we hold dear.
