Traffic Signals on North Washington in Grand Forks an Issue

(KNOX) -Traffic signals on North Washington Street in Grand Forks has become a major topic.

City Council member Rebecca Osowski said that she has no problem with the reconstruction project on North Washington Street from 1st to 8th Avenue, except for the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) wanting to remove a signal in her district. She voted for approval of a motion that the city sent to the NDDOT that stated Grand Forks wanted to keep the signal. “With the condition that we request that we keep the stop light on Second Avenue,” said Osowski.

She said she has heard from some people of her ward on the possible removal of the signal. ‘I know I have had a couple calls about it from my constituents,” Osowski said.

Council Member Dana Sande voted to approve the motion that said the NDDOT should reconsider removing the signal. However, Sande said that the traffic signal needs to be eliminated. “But I hope the DOT comes back and says we should get rid of that stop light. Because I don’t think there is any need for it,” said Sande.

Sande said that if there has to be a traffic signal at Second Avenue then there needs to be one at other intersections on Washington Street. “If there is a need for a stop light there, then there is a need for a stop light at Eleventh Avenue South and Twenty-fifth Avenue South. Perhaps Thirty-third Avenue South,” Sande said during a recent Grand Forks City Council meeting.