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MDOT presents Highway 2 downtown redesign; says three signals do not meet reinstallation warrant
Summary
MDOT staff outlined a preferred corridor alternative that narrows the roadway, adds ADA sidewalks, bike lanes and bumpouts, and reported that three signals in the downtown footprint did not meet statewide technical warrants for reinstallation; MDOT proposed alternatives including pedestrian beacons and open houses for public input.
State transportation staff updated the Crookston City Council on a Highway 2 corridor and downtown sidewalk project that would reduce travel lanes, reconstruct sidewalks to ADA standards, add bike lanes and curb bumpouts, and replace two signals that do meet warrants while removing three that do not based on intersection control evaluation counts.
“Based on the data we have in front of us today … we can’t justify reinstalling the signals,” MDOT project manager Matt Ukrin said, summarizing the intersection control evaluation (ICE) analysis that found low vehicle volumes at the Second Street signals (Broadway and Maine) and at Ash Street. MDOT staff said two Roberts Street signals do meet warrant thresholds and will be replaced.
Why it matters: the proposed design aims to improve pedestrian safety and slow vehicle speeds by narrowing cross sections and adding curb extensions (bumpouts) that shorten crossing distances and improve sight lines. Council members voiced concern that removing signals could increase speeds on adjacent stretches and affect school and library crossings, especially during summer hours and seasonal agricultural truck peaks.
Alternatives and mitigations: MDOT and its consultant described options the council could request, including rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RFBs), targeted pedestrian crossing beacons at high‑use locations (library, pool, movie theater, school), advanced warning signage, and geometric changes at truck‑turn locations. MDOT stressed it must follow statewide signal‑justification manuals and that installing signals without meeting legal warrants could expose the agency to legal risk.
Project schedule and public outreach: MDOT said the project is between 30% and 60% design, is planning a summer open house in Crookston to gather public feedback, and anticipates municipal‑consent steps in the fall (a council resolution is needed when the state changes access or buys right‑of‑way). MDOT targets a 2027 construction season and will continue one‑on‑one business outreach and right‑of‑way coordination.
The council asked MDOT to confirm whether short‑duration seasonal peaks, such as beet‑harvest truck flows, were included in counts; MDOT said the counts were collected in July and September and agreed to check whether peak months should be re‑sampled for the ICE report. The agency also invited the city to suggest locations where RFBs or other pedestrian controls would be most useful.
Next steps: MDOT will hold public engagement this summer, refine the ICE report and design, continue business and property owner meetings, and commence municipal‑consent activities later in the year.
