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After public debate over costs and truck access, Mitchell Council directs staff to pursue a roundabout for North Olman Street project
Summary
Council opened a public hearing on North Olman Street sewer and road upgrades and, after consultant presentations and public questions about truck accommodation and cost estimates, directed staff to include a roundabout (with associated sidewalks) in the 2026 budget and future bidding.
The Mitchell City Council held a public hearing on the North Olman Street utility improvement project and, following questions and public comment, directed staff to pursue a roundabout as the preferred intersection treatment.
City engineer Joe Trader and consultant Jacob Sonny (SPN) described the project: sanitary sewer and storm sewer upgrades along North Olman Street between 23rd Avenue and Kemper Avenue, with the city seeking up to $3.93 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Trader said SRF loan terms would be roughly 4% for 30 years and that the Board of Water and Natural Resources could forgive principal in whole or in part.
Multiple members of the public questioned how the roundabout option would accommodate large tractor‑trailer trucks and why outside cost estimates reported in local media differed from the city’s budget numbers. Jacob Sonny said the roundabout footprint under discussion is approximately 150 feet in diameter with approach transitions of about 200 feet, and that the consultant had specifically considered truck turn templates: "The roundabout will be able to carry tractor trailers, also doubles pulling through the intersection," Sonny said.
Some residents urged a four‑way stop as the cheaper near‑term option. Council members discussed long‑range traffic projections and infrastructure efficiency; staff argued that combining necessary water/sewer replacement with roadway improvements now would be more efficient than delaying separate projects.
Following public input and discussion the council gave direction to include the roundabout option with sidewalks in the 2026 budget package and to proceed later with design and bidding, with final bid award and low‑bid selection to follow procurement rules.
