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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Stutsman County Commission echoed the Jamestown City Council with support to keep Exit 257 open west of Jamestown.

The proposed NDDOT project would consist of new traffic signals at the US 281 and I-94 north and south ramp intersections, a mill and overlay of the north frontage road between I-94 Exits 256 and 257, temporary closing of I-94 Exit 257, and bridge deck repair of the US 281 and I-94 bridge in Jamestown.

Jason Babcock with Neighborhood Grocery & Gas came before the County Commission to ask them to provide a stance on the project involving Exit 257.

Babcock pointed out that the NDDOT was still accepting comments until January 19th. Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser informed the commission that the closure of the exit has been brought up in the past.

Kaiser says the reason they would want to close it now is due to the new Menards to JRMC road. Kaiser says he has mixed feelings about the project, but doesn’t disagree with closing Exit 257.

Commissioner Dave Schwartz stated concerns with the amount of increased traffic at other exits if Exit 257 were to close.

Jamestown Police Chief Edinger said he believes part of the issue was the slowdown in the oil rigs out west.

Chief Edinger says other options may need to be looked at as closing Exit 257 may solve one problem, but could add another problem to the list.

The Stutsman County Commission unanimously voted to state their disapproval of closing Exit 257 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Audio is courtesy of the Stutsman County Commission.