Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Flood Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves roundabout as part of Maple diversion flood-protection street improvements
Summary
As part of the Maus River enhanced flood-protection program (MI 4), the council approved a city cost-share for street improvements and accepted a roundabout at 6th Street and 2nd Avenue SW despite questions about extra cost and residential fit, with staff arguing it future-proofs traffic flow and safety.
The council approved a city cost-share for street improvements connected to the MI 4 Maple diversion flood-protection project, including a roundabout at the intersection of 6th Street and 2nd Avenue SW.
Traffic engineering staff explained the roundabout increases the intersection footprint, requires additional lighting and pavement and raised an added cost estimate of roughly $270,000 over a base design. Council members questioned whether the additional cost was justified and whether the design would safely accommodate truck traffic in the area. The traffic engineer said the design includes a truck apron and that the roundabout will absorb increased volume more efficiently than a traditional intersection.
City staff also argued the roundabout is a long-term investment to avoid future retrofits when traffic volumes grow. "This is likely one of those intersections that, it's important in the community," a staff presenter told the council, urging a solution that avoids larger future costs. After discussion, council approved the city cost-share and the roundabout design by roll-call vote.
Council action: Approved city cost-share and roundabout design for MI 4 Maple diversion street improvements (agenda item 7.4). Next steps: design finalization and funding planning through available street-improvement and sales-tax sources.
