A Series: Highway 60 Realignment

For more than 30 years, there have been talks of a highway 60 re-route. Residents of Wabasha have lived with a highway intersection considered one of the more dangerous spots in the region: the T-shaped junction at the foot of the bridge approach on Trunk Highway 60 (TH 60). Since 2015, seven crashes have been recorded. The project will not only improve safety but also reduce flood-related road closures and open new land for housing and commercial development.
The funding efforts have been years in the making. The city first formally adopted the realignment concept in December 2019, drawing from a community-driven planning process launched through the University of Minnesota Futures Pilot Project. The idea was later incorporated into Wabasha's 2021 Comprehensive Plan.
The City of Wabasha has secured multi-source funding totaling at least $9 million to realign TH 60. $5 million of those funds come from Federal Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Funding, with $2 million in MnDOT Transportation Economic Development (TED) funds from the state. The Federal CDS funding is set to expire in 2027, so the deadline to finalize a contractor for the road construction is 2027. Wabasha County is also anticipated to contribute through County State-Aid Highway bridge funds for the reconstruction of the bridge on 5th Grant Boulevard. The city of Wabasha has contributed $2.4 million in matching funds to relocate the Athletic Field facilities to the new Athletic Field Complex, and off of the old site. The City preemptively purchased the land for the Athletic Field Complex, enabling the City to apply for grant funding. Through Department of Natural Resources Grant funding and citizen investment, the Athletic Field Complex was made a reality.
The biggest outstanding question is state capital bonding. The city has been actively working with the Minnesota Legislature to secure that funding, which would cover the utilities portion of the project. As the highway is being re-constructed, the goal is to also add in utilities. So when the time comes to develop the land, the infrastructure is already in place. The city said it will seek other funding sources if state bonding is not secured.
At the May City Council meeting, Port Authority reported progress on several fronts, including a grant application for a master plan for the athletic field area near Highway 60 and the award of a second residential infill grant.
The goal is to begin construction in the spring of 2027.
For questions about the project, residents can contact City Administrator Caroline Gregerson at cityadmin@wabasha.orgor 651-565-4568.