Council approves $78,994 engineering design agreement for East Main Street roundabout

The Albert Lea City Council approved a professional engineering services agreement with Alliance Incorporated for preliminary design work on a planned roundabout at 775th Avenue and East Main Street, with a not-to-exceed cost of $78,994.80. City Manager described the work as the city's responsibility for the 775th Avenue roundabout while MnDOT handles other ramp terminals and said the design product will be used in 2027 for final design proposals ahead of a projected 2030 construction effort.

Explaining the project purpose, the city manager said the roundabouts were proposed because of a history of serious collisions. "The reason for the roundabouts is because there have been a number of t bone accidents that have resulted in, either a near or an actual fatality as well as just, very horrendous t bone accidents," the city manager said. Councilor Anderson moved the resolution and Councilor Christiansen seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.