Roundabout or all-way stop? Mayor and staff split over East Jackson Street layout; committee to discuss at council

The Public Works Committee discussed design options for the East Jackson Street project, including a proposed roundabout at 2nd Street and either an "always stop" or roundabout option at 3rd Street.

Staff described the proposed corridor: single lanes in each direction with physical medians on the north segment, on-street parking on 2nd Street, and continued design work on utilities and drainage with permits to be submitted to state reviewers. "We're attempting to position some on street parking along 2nd Street," staff said, and said a full plan might be ready in four to eight weeks.

Mayor Zacker urged the committee to reconsider adding a roundabout at 3rd Street, arguing it would smooth traffic and help accommodate future development; he said the cost differential between a roundabout and a four-way stop was not significant based on questions he'd asked. Staff said traffic analyses showed both a roundabout and an always-stop would deliver comparable levels of service, leaving the choice to subjective factors like public perception and aesthetics.

Committee members raised practical concerns including winter maintenance around closely spaced roundabouts, parking and snow removal on 2nd Street, and whether roundabouts would accommodate larger trucks that currently use 1st Street. Several members said they wanted to view the site in person before voting.

The committee took no action and agreed to raise the roundabout question for discussion at the upcoming council meeting in two weeks so council members can indicate a direction; staff will pause design changes if council requests them.