Governor Pawlenty announced today that there will be no change in classification for U.S. Highway 59 from Marshall to Worthington and Minnesota Highway 19 from Redwood Falls to Marshall. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) had recommended a change in classification for the highway stretches as part of a regular review process.

“These highways connect three important regional centers and are vital for the economic well being of the area,” Governor Pawlenty said. “As we continue to grow jobs in Greater Minnesota, we need to ensure that our transportation infrastructure supports that growth. As a result, I am directing Mn/DOT to maintain the current principal arterial classification for both highways.”

Governor Pawlenty noted a number of important employers served by the highways, including Schwan Food Company, ADM, Turkey Valley Farms, Swift and Co., Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota West Community and Technical College-Worthington.

Mn/DOT recently conducted a preliminary study of all 135,000 miles of roadway in the state. Federal law requires each state to periodically classify roads by use and function. Minnesota’s last such analysis was completed in the early 1990s.

In its study, Mn/DOT reviewed traffic counts and traffic patterns on Highways 59 and 19. Public comment was then sought regarding a proposed classification change for each of the roads from principal to minor arterials.

In response to concerns raised by local officials, the Governor asked Lt. Governor and Mn/DOT Commissioner Molnau to review the highway classification proposal. The Governor and Lt. Governor agreed that the proposed draft recommendation to reclassify Highways 59 and 19 from principal arterials to minor arterials is not in the best interest of the southwest Minnesota. The Governor and Lt. Governor subsequently instructed Mn/DOT officials to remove that recommendation from the draft study, ensuring that Highways 59 and 19 remain classified as principal arterials.