Officials say the East Side Corridor will reduce congestion—but their own report shows just a 2-second difference across alternatives. Even worse? There are no traffic studies—let alone truck traffic data—for the streets being used to justify the project.
Pushing traffic away from downtown could also hurt local businesses.
$30 million with no data, no transparency, and no clear benefit? Owatonna deserves better!
On May 22, 2025 Residents in Owatonna speak out about safety, transparency, and the long-term impact of the East Side Corridor project. This KAAL News story highlights growing public opposition and the urgent need for accountability from local leaders.
Watch the full segment to hear directly from the community.
Apologies for the poor sound quality—please turn it up! WSB presented the ESC findings to the City Council on October 1, 2024. Councilman Raney asked, "How close will the ESC be to adjacent homes?" After providing some indirect responses about averages, WSB finally confirmed that it will be just "17 feet" from residents' homes.
On October 1, 2024, WSB presented the memorandum submitted to the federal government to the city council during the work study session. Residents were not permitted to ask questions. It’s worth noting how the answers differed from those given at the county commissioners' presentation. When asked about the speed limits this time, WSB stated it would hopefully be between 40 and 50 mph, with the state ultimately setting the limit. Additionally, it was confirmed that the project will be just 17 feet from homes.
When the truth is spoken, there’s no need to avoid direct answers, yet this has been a glaring issue with this project.
On September 24, 2024, WSB presented the memorandum submitted to the Commissioners during the work study session. This was the first time residents were introduced to this information, though they were not allowed to ask questions. One of the commissioners inquired about the speed limit, to which WSB provided a definitive answer of 40 mph. However, a week later, a different answer was given to the city.
Elected official often compare the ESC to 26th St. However 26th St was built 30 years before it was encroached on. 29th Ave and 26th St are not the same, however, 26th St and 34th Ave are nearly identical.
Matt Sennott Speaks to the ESC on Straight Talk.
Residents turn out in the masses to address the ESC to the county commissioners
** All videos used with permission from Limberg Productions. Full meeting videos for the most recent meetings can be found at www.owatonnalive.com **