Lighting Project for 2 Grand Forks Streets Approved by the Committee of the Whole

This proposed project consists of the installation of street lights, conduit and cable at two locations within the city.

Joel Holweger of the Grand Forks Engineering Department told the committee that the work would be done next year.

“This would be a 2025 project, and would be completed in 2025 as well,” said Holweger.

On Fourth Avenue South, installation of new conduit and cable will also be necessary to power the new street lights, which will be fed by existing feed points. This corridor is anticipated to receive 15 new street lights. The light poles and fixtures will be similar to the poles and fixtures that were installed in 2017.

Lincoln Drive has Xcel Energy-owned street lights mounted on wooden poles. This section of roadway directly connects to the floodwall entrance of Lincoln Park, which can see increased pedestrian and bike traffic.

Upon completion of the project, the existing lights on wooden poles would be removed by Xcel.

Due to overhead power lines in the corridor that power the flood pump station near the floodwall, the newly installed lights will be placed on the opposite side of the street from where the current lighting exists. The existing lighting will likely be replaced with nine new City standard 20’ residential poles with LED fixtures.

Installation of new conduit and cable will also be necessary to power the new street lights. An electrical feed point exists in the area; however, there will need to be work done to replace service to the proposed project as well as future lighting projects in the area.

This project will use money from the street and infrastructure fund with an 80 percent city share and a 20 percent special assessment.

“Estimated cost for this project is $360,000, with the city’s share being $288,000, with an 80/20 split,” Holweger said.