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St. Peter council approves traffic-calming changes on South Front Street, sets 25 mph residential limit
Summary
The council approved a demonstration-based package of traffic-calming measures on South Front Street — including 11-foot lanes, bumpouts and a 25 mph residential limit — and exempted sanitation vehicles from a truck prohibition after mixed public feedback and council debate.
The St. Peter City Council on May 27 approved a traffic-calming plan for South Front Street that narrows travel lanes, adds intersection bumpouts and sets a 25-mph limit in the residential section.
City staff said the changes follow a SHIP-funded demonstration and a study by Alulta Engineering that identified safety concerns, heavy truck use, and pedestrian issues between Elm and Walnut. Staff recommended narrowing lanes to 11 feet, adding bumpouts at the entrances to encourage slower driving, and changing signage to reduce truck traffic while allowing sanitation vehicles to serve residents.
The council debated the preferred speed limit and device design. Pete, who presented the study, said he personally favored a 20-mph limit but acknowledged state law limits non-school zones to a minimum of 25 mph; the presentation estimated a roughly $2,000 initial demonstration cost and about $750 annually to re-establish temporary devices.
Council members discussed complaints about highly constricting bumpouts from some residents, balanced against supporters who said the bumpouts were doing their job. Council member Carrie said, “Those bumpouts are doing their job. So I am happy to champion bumpouts.”
Council voted to approve the resolution with two amendments: exclude sanitation vehicles from the truck prohibition and set the residential speed limit at 25 mph. The roll call produced four yes votes (Council member Devos, Mayor Noel, Council member Johnson and Council member Weisenfeld), one no (Council member Pettis) and one abstention (Council member Sharstrom). Staff will implement the approved signage and physical changes and monitor impacts.
The resolution, packet materials and maps were provided to council on pages 48–51 of the meeting packet. The council flagged the longer-term rebuild of South Front Street in four to six years as the moment to consider additional sidewalk work and permanent infrastructure.
