Grand Forks is one step closer to dropping a mini roundabout into the intersection of Belmont Road and South 5th Street.
The council gave preliminary approval this week to utilizing federal funds through the Urban Grant Program to cover 80% of the estimated $1.7 million dollar build. The skewed intersection is sometimes referred to as “confusion corner” because of it includes a combination of stop signs and a yield sign.
Assistant City Engineer Christian Danielson says after reviewing all the options the mini roundabout seems to check all the boxes. “You have to keep the center of the mini-roundabout clear of any vertical obstructions because larger vehicles can’t make the turn all the way around. We actually expect a large vehicle like a fire truck or school bus to drag its back tires over the center. It’s raised just enough to stop a standard vehicle from driving through.”
The reconstruction will include new lighting, identifiable pedestrian crossings, stamped concrete medians, some light storm sewer adjustments, and likely a decorative paver roundabout center.
If given the green light the work would take place during the 2024 construction season.
