Grand Valley pedestrian study hopes to provide blueprint for future south-end traffic safety

Yahoo

13-11-2024

Nov. 12—GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks City Council received updates on the Grand Valley pedestrian crossing study during its Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night.
The study, expected to be completed later this month, will give the city ideas on how best to develop transportation infrastructure as the city expands southward. The study is being led by the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization, along with Bolton and Menk, to consider the area south of 47th Avenue South between Columbia and Belmont roads. The area in question is largely undeveloped, but is increasingly seeing more development as the population grows.
"It's really meant to be visionary and kind of looking at what is the potential in the area," said Blue Weber, of Bolton and Menk. "It's such a good thing to see both the city and MPO stepping up to these greenfield areas and saying 'OK, how do we start to lay this out and make sure that it's going to be best for the entire community?'"
As a high-level planning document, its goal is to serve as a tool for future projects and development. Much of the area is still very rural in character and will need transportation improvements in the coming years and decades.
"This study is making sure that we're planning for the future, recognizing that there will be a lot of traffic growth due to new development that's coming in," said Connor Cox, of Bolton and Menk. "But at the same time, really trying to emphasize pedestrian safety and mobility."
The corridors of Washington Street and 62nd Avenue South are being especially considered. Numerous proposals will be included in the final plan with a future council needing to decide lanes, sidewalks, shoulders and more as well as
what type of intersection should exist at Washington Street and 62nd Avenue South.
The MPO and Bolton and Menk have included the input of stakeholders, ranging from the city planning department, families and realtors.
"A lot of the value that you're going to see from the study comes from all the different stakeholders that we've meet with," MPO planner Tyler Manske said. "(The council) gave us a lot of great feedback last time, and we're looking for some more as we approach the final document."
The study also includes proposals for the intersection of Washington Street and 62nd Avenue South, like a multilane roundabout that could help calm traffic. Council member Mike Fridolfs, who represents the area, said making that intersection and area safer is key.
"That corner is nuts," Fridolfs said. "People go way faster than they should, so I think something that controls the speed is definitely a good idea."
In other news, the council:
* Reviewed a potential city code revision for gaming hours within the city to align with North Dakota Century Code. City and state rules differ about when gaming could occur and the revision hopes to clarify any confusion on the matter.
* Recommended the approval of Jared Spoor to the Grand Forks Event Center Commission and the appointment of Tony Hodny as a city representative to the Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority Board of Commissioners.