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Commission discusses paying for Ohio Street traffic study to support future stoplight
Summary
Officials discussed commissioning a traffic study for a proposed four-way stoplight at the Ruth Russe/Lehi Street interchange to accelerate NDOT approvals; estimated cost cited at $15,000-$20,000 and commissioners asked to consider setting money aside.
Commissioners discussed funding a traffic study to support an NDOT request for a four-way signal at the Ruth Russe/Lehi Street interchange, with staff estimating the study would cost roughly $15,000 to $20,000 and noting NDOT review can take about a year.
Gary explained that state property in the area now owned by the commission has strong development potential and that a traffic study would be needed to request a stoplight from the state. "What we need there is a traffic study that we would submit to NDOT in order to request a stoplight... about $15,000 is about what they cost," Gary said.
Commissioners asked whether a developer could pay; Gary said developers often cover such studies but the commission could front the work to speed the process. "We're just accelerating the process," Gary said, adding the study could remain useful for a 10-year traffic projection.
Commissioners did not vote on the study at this meeting; some suggested setting money aside so the commission can act quickly if developer interest reappears. Staff said traffic analysis itself may take three to four months, giving time to prepare before NDOT review.
Less critical details: staff noted expected TIF (tax increment financing) revenue from future commercial development in the area could exceed a quarter-million dollars annually, making the corridor attractive to investors.
