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Traffic study recommends removing some downtown signals; council to consider 37th & 1st at next meeting
Summary
City engineers briefed council on a final downtown traffic and parking study that recommends converting several signalized intersections to stop control; staff said 37th & 1st is the most debated location and will remain on the table for the July 15 council meeting. Staff noted replacing a signal costs about $470,000 per intersection.
City staff presented a final downtown Hibbing parking and traffic study on July 1 and outlined staff recommendations to remove or convert several signalized intersections to stop control as streets are reconstructed.
The presentation noted seven signalized intersections along 1st and Howard and said some signals were removed already after winter damage (31st Street) or construction/reconstruction work. City Engineer (Story) and staff recommended keeping the 1st & Howard signal but consider converting some intersections — including 3rd Avenue at Howard — to two‑way or four‑way stops to improve traffic flow and reduce right‑angle crashes caused by red‑light running.
Staff identified 37th & 1st as the most debated location; deputy police leadership suggested a four‑way stop as an alternative to restoring a signal there. Staff also described LED‑enhanced stop signs for high‑speed crossing locations but cautioned that over‑use diminishes their effectiveness and that LED signs are not typically recommended for closely spaced downtown intersections.
The study will be posted publicly and staff said they plan to include a highlighted synopsis on the city’s website and social platforms; the final study is expected to appear on the July 15 council agenda for formal consideration and possible action.
