What can we do about Highway 5—dangerous at any speed?

Q:  Dear Mayor:

The traffic on Highway 5 west of Highway 41 is ridiculous, but most importantly dangerous. Thank God there has been a slowdown in the residential building market because I don't know if we can take another 100-200 cars a day or more on this overstressed highway. What can we citizens do to get the state to do something about this highway, sooner than later?

 Signed,Risking my life on Highway 5  

A: Highway 5 is definitely a problem —  and has been since the 1960s!  As I write this, a corridor study is being conducted to scope, analyze, do a preliminary design and conduct the environmental screening for the eventual re-design of Highway 5.  Victoria has contributed $50,000 to the study, which is only the first step in finding a way to make room for all of the new residents projected to make their home in the Victoria area over the next 10 to 20 years.

Mary Hershberger Thun

It would really help, "Risk", if you would get your friends, family and neighbors to contact their State and Congressional representatives and senators.  They want to hear directly from the people.  Sending "Letters to the Editor" of local newspapers might also help!

On Thursday, Nov.  29, from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Chaska Community Center, there will be a transportation meeting to discuss this very topic.  People are asked to come to the meeting to express their feelings about the current transportation bottlenecks in their area.  More information on this meeting will soon be available, and when it is, I'll be sure to publicize it in the "Ask the Mayor" column.  I strongly encourage lots of Victoria residents to come to the meeting on Nov. 29.   I'll look forward to meeting you, "Risk."

 Do you have a question that you’d like to ask the Mayor? Emaili it to uzuege@swpub.com.