Modern Highway Photos: I-494 to Red Wing

U.S. 61 was upgraded to four lanes on the west end of Red Wing in 1983. The pedestrian bridge ahead was constructed as part of that project. The first descent into the Mississippi River Valley is just ahead. The flat areas on top of the hill on the west end of Red Wing are home to several modern subdivisions.

The first view of the Mississippi River valley on the hill into Red Wing.

Looking east towards the bottom of the first hill into the city of Red Wing. This area of the city is home to a large industrial development, which includes one of the Red Wing Shoe Co. plants (the building with the unusual roof, visible in the center of the photo).

Looking east at the bridges over Spring Creek on the west side of Red Wing, constructed as part of the 1983 four-lane expansion up the hill towards Highway 19. The old four-lane section at Red Wing, constructed in the early 1950's, began just east of the creek.

Looking back to the west at the junction with County Road 53. Note the classic sign for "Siewerts Garage".

Much further to the east near downtown Red Wing, looking south at Buchanan Street on the north side of the modern highway. In the center of the photo is a pedestrian tunnel, constructed back in the early 1950's when the first divided highway on the west side of Red Wing was constructed.

Looking east down Main Street in Red Wing at Cedar Street. The stretch of Main Street ahead between Cedar and Franklin Streets was possibly the first divided section on U.S. 61's route through Minnesota. It was paved in 1920 with two 18 foot concrete lanes on either side of a raised median. The median was removed in the early 1950's as part of the construction of the modern divided highway between downtown and Spring Creek.

Looking east between Hill and Franklin Streets.

The old Red Wing depot, previously restored into a Hardee's, and now a Caribou Coffee (one of my favorite spots to stop for a pick-me-up when I'm out taking photos).

Entering old downtown Red Wing, looking east at East Avenue (the green sign over the road reads: "To Wisconsin - Follow 63 North").

Another view of downtown Red Wing, looking east towards Bush Street. The historic St. James hotel is on the left. The imposing Barn Bluff looms above downtown ahead.

Looking east at Plum Street, the north junction with U.S. 63, as well as State Highway 58's northern terminus. This intersection has been a trunk highway junction since 1934 (for more on the rather complex history of the routes through Red Wing, see the lost highway article here).