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Council grants municipal consent for MDOT downtown corridor project that narrows lanes, adds sidewalks and bike lanes
Summary
After an MDOT presentation, Crookston City Council approved municipal consent for state project 6002‑76 (downtown corridor): lane reductions from three through lanes to two, ADA sidewalks, bike lanes, signal replacements/removals and pedestrian beacons; city and MDOT described funding sources and a schedule targeting construction in 2027.
The Crookston City Council voted Dec. 15 to grant municipal consent for Minnesota Department of Transportation state project 6002‑76, a downtown corridor reconstruction that MDOT officials said will reduce traffic lanes, add ADA‑compliant sidewalks and bike lanes, upgrade corridor lighting and implement pedestrian enhancements.
"We're talking about going from three through lanes down to two through lanes," said Matt Uppin, project manager with MDOT, explaining that narrowing the roadway creates room for ADA sidewalks, bike lanes, curb bumpouts and streetscaping while calming traffic. Uppin said MDOT and the city will balance those pedestrian improvements with freight needs by widening turning radii at key corners and maintaining access for trucks.
MDOT staff described a warrant analysis that found three low‑volume signals below thresholds; the project would remove those signals and install rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) at two key pedestrian crossings (Second and Broadway and Ash Street) and install new signals where warrants are met. The team also outlined lighting replacement, some boulevard hardscaping, refreshed crosswalk striping and bike lane striping.
On funding, Uppin told council that Crookston secured a portion of legislative trunk‑highway appropriations but that those funds are constrained by trunk‑highway eligibility rules. MDOT staff are pursuing a cost‑participation exception to permit more local trunk‑highway‑eligible expenses (including signals and corridor lighting) to be paid from the legislatively appropriated trunk‑highway cash; they are also pursuing an increased aesthetics allocation (proposed to rise from 2% to 5% of construction cost). Uppin said 60% plans should be ready late January/early February, final plans by June–July 2026, with advertising and bidding targeted for December 2026 and construction in 2027.
After the presentation and public hearing, Council passed Resolution 8.01 granting municipal consent. The motion to approve was made by Don, seconded by Derek, and carried on roll call.
Next steps: MDOT will finalize 60% plans and continue public and business outreach; city staff will continue coordination on right‑of‑way, utilities (city water and sewer remain a city expense), and aesthetics decisions.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 8.01 — municipal consent for state project 6002‑76 — approved by roll call (all present voting in favor).
