GF/EGF committee talks bridges and location

Consultants are putting the final touches on a report that examines the need for a new neighborhood bridge linking Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.

The analysis looks at three bridge options:  Elks Drive…32nd Avenue South…or a do nothing approach.  The study does not recommend one location over the other – but 32nd has greater cumulative benefits.

The Bridge Impact Ad Hoc Committee met today (Monday) for a final briefing.  Member Eric Hanson says both bridge options greatly increase traffic on the Grand Forks side of the river.  “Why would we spend 35 to 40 million dollars plus to create additional problems.”

Member Brian Larson says despite neighborhood opposition the bridge benefits both cities as a whole.

A survey following a recent open house generated upwards of 360 online responses.  The feedback suggests 62% feel that 32^nd Avenue “meets the project purpose and need well or very well.”

The MPO’s Earl Haugen says the next step is for Grand Forks and East Grand Forks to work together to identify a neighborhood site – in addition to a Merrifield Road river crossing.  “A lot of the reasons why we don’t have these additional bridges in the past are too tight of  funding from the national and state perspective.  There is a lot more  funding in the coffers now.  On the national level Congress created two new programs specifically for bridges.”

The final report is expected to be posted online by the end of the month.