GF & EGF still wrestling with fourth bridge location

A joint meeting of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks council members may be called to try and build consensus on the location for a fourth intercity bridge.

The option was floated at last night’s (Monday) Grand Forks council meeting regarding an East Grand Forks plan to purchase land along a 32nd Avenue South corridor. An ad hoc committee of the MPO looked at two potential river crossings – Elks Drive and 32nd Avenue. The study did not make a formal recommendation but gave advantages to the 32nd crossing.

City council member Ken Vien says that location is in the 2045 long-range transportation plan.  Vien admits it was adopted on a unanimous vote.

Council member Jeannie Mock says traffic congestion warrants the need to do something – because it will only get worse.

Council President Dana Sande is not a fan of placing a bridge at 32nd Avenue South.  “The problem is our communities are growing in different directions and different rates.  I don’t know how we are going to marry this up.”

City Administrator Todd Feland says he’ll work to set up a joint meeting – perhaps as soon as next month.