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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Area businesses along 17th St. SW are fighting to keep Exit 257 off I-94 open.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation recently held an open house to gauge area residents interest in proposed projects in the area. One of those is closing Exit 257.

Jason Babcock is owner of Neighborhood Grocery & Gas.

Neighborhood Grocery & Gas is one of several business along that stretch of roadway. Babcock says it’s not only area residents that use exit 257 and 17th St. SW.

Exit 257 is one of only five left-lane exits on Interstates in North Dakota. The DOT has expressed concerns over these exits due to the slowdowns and speeds of the interstates.

The city of Jamestown has planned a special meeting on Tuesday, January 16th at 10 AM to collect comments and concerns which will then be submitted to the NDDOT.

Babcock says in talks with the Governor and others, they need many signatures and comments in order for their voices to be heard.

Individuals can also contact James Rath, program manager for the NDDOT. Send emails to jrath@nd.gov and put Public Input Meeting in the subject line of the email. Comments are due by January 19th.