Mankato to Bloomington (Burnsville, Savage, Faribault: construction, live in, law)

[Msjaye2]

How is the commute from Mankato to Bloomington? How is the commute during the winter months? Is there a major highway between the two?

[Glenfield]

It’s a terrible commute. My son in law tried it a few years back. He spent many winter nights stuck in the cities because 169 was impassable, not to mention the nights when he did make it back but had a three hour commute. He finally found a job in Mankato. Don’t even think about it.

[Msjaye2]

I hate to hear that....
Thanks you the advice

[Teak]

And you should be aware that highway 169 is sometimes closed for several days during the spring and summer seasons when the Minnesota River floods the low-lying sections.

[Msjaye2]

Oh boy
Very disheartening.
Thanks for the info

[Teak]

If you want to work in Bloomington, but not live there, consider Shakopee, Jordan, Belle Plaine, Savage, New Prague, Elko New Market, Prior Lake, or Burnsville as commuting options. It will mean crossing the Minnesota River during rush hour, but at least the traffic moves along, unlike on a closed highway. The part of 169 that gets flooded is well south of Belle Plaine, around the Le Sueur and St. Peter sections.

[Msjaye2]

I would much rather live in one of those places but my husband will be working in new ulm so we’re thinking Mankato is the best “happy medium”.
I won’t have to go into the office everyday. I have the option to work from home. But another issue I have is my job has a “field” component where I have to make visits to people and that could be in any county within a 200 mile radius. I’m really concerned about getting stuck somewhere. Is there an alternate route when 169 is closed?

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by Msjaye2

I would much rather live in one of those places but my husband will be working in new ulm so we’re thinking Mankato is the best “happy medium”.
I won’t have to go into the office everyday. I have the option to work from home. But another issue I have is my job has a “field” component where I have to make visits to people and that could be in any county within a 200 mile radius. I’m really concerned about getting stuck somewhere. Is there an alternate route when 169 is closed?

If it’s closed for construction or, as recently happened, a mudslide, yes there are alternate route over smaller roads. If it’s closed due to a snowstorm, no, everything will be closed. Honestly, a daily cities to Mankato commute is not worth considering.

[demtion35]

Originally Posted by Msjaye2

How is the commute from Mankato to Bloomington? How is the commute during the winter months? Is there a major highway between the two?

Why not go down 35 to Faribault SP? then over west to Mankato? Map drive says it is only 5 min longer.

IF you are driving a 200 mile radius in any county, that means driving in winter does it not> I would recommend a All Wheel Drive Vehicle like a Subaru Crostrak for example.

[Msjaye2]

Thank you. I’m willing to consider anything. I know nothing about the area. I will be relocating from Texas

We already got the car situation figured out. Thanks!