Phase 1 engagement update

The first public engagement phase focused on gathering user experiences along and across Highway 14 in Eagle Lake. The community was engaged at the Tator Days Pancake Breakfast on July 20, 2024, at a public meeting at the Eagle Lake City Hall on July 29, 2024, and through an interactive map and survey on the project website.


Key takeaways

Desire for improved safety along Highway 14
  • Concerns about safely using J-turns
  • Concerns about visibility at some intersections making it difficult to enter and exit Highway 14
  • Challenging to cross multiple lanes of traffic after entering Hwy 14 from J-turns
  • Some residents actively avoid driving on Hwy 14 due to feeling unsafe
Desire for better traffic flow
  • Desire for acceleration and deceleration lanes at J-turns to allow drivers to more easily enter and exit Hwy 14
  • Concerns about traffic backups in the morning and evening
Desire for more speed management
  • Some find it challenging to enter Hwy 14 due to high speeds
Concerns with business and neighborhood access
  • Frustration with access being reduced to local businesses and surrounding neighborhood
  • Desire to explore acceleration and deceleration lanes to better interact with traffic flow
Desire for intersection changes
  • People would like to see full grade-separated interchange, overpass/underpass, or High-T at J-turn intersections
Graph of data from phase 1 engagement.

Project overview

The Mankato/North Mankato Area Planning Organization (MAPO), MnDOT and the local communities are studying the Highway 14 corridor between County Road 12 and Highway 60. This study is evaluating the existing conditions and identifying issues throughout the corridor. Then will examine a range of alternatives to address these issues.

Study goals:

  • Develop long-term vision
  • Enhance safety
  • Improve access
  • Support growth
  • Meet user and community needs
Image of Highway 14 Eagle Lake Corridor Study map