MN-43/WI-54 Mississippi River Crossing At Winona, MN Opened in 1942, The Winona Main Channel Crossing has stood tall and pround as the crown jewel of Downtown Winona, MN.  It is a Cantilevered Warren Through Truss Bridge located at Upper River Mississippi River Mile 725.8.  It was built to replace the aging Winona High Bridge, which was built in 1891.  The original crossing was not able to accommodate the heavy weight of the automobile nor was it wide enough to allow safe passage of two way traffic.  Because of its hieight, a set of 90 degree turns were engineered into the landing on the Winona side.  These turns allowed a less inclined roadway, reducing the chance of a runaway carriage.   This was especially inconvenient for automobile traffic.