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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The city of Jamestown took their official stance on several proposed NDDOT projects in the area following a special meeting Tuesday, January 16th.
An open house was hosted by the North Dakota Department of Transportation earlier this year to find out what Jamestown residents thought about traffic signals on US 281 off Exit 258 as well as temporarily closing Exit 257.
Mayor Katie Andersen opened the special meeting and Councilman Ramone Gumke gave his opinion on the project. He says he favors keeping the left exit off I-94 eastbound open.
Gumke made reference to the city’s Land Use & Transportation Plan, which had planned for a potential overpass connecting 17th Street SW and the Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
Councilman Steve Brubakken agreed with Gumke to keep the exit open pending costs of installing a ramp over the Interstate.
Both councilmen agreed that the future plan shouldn’t determine how they feel about Exit 257 at this point in time. Councilwoman Pam Phillips stated she was originally for closing off the left-hand exit, but has since changed her stance after the road connecting Menards to the hospital was created.
Business owners along 17th Street SW were also present at the meeting. Neighborhood Grocery & Gas Owner Jason Babcock says the city should be mindful that even temporarily closing Exit 257 would be detrimental for area businesses and those who use the exit daily.
Colin Wegenast with Lifestyle Appliance reminded the city that if the Exit were to close, it would be one less way into Jamestown for travelers and residents.
The city later voted on each separate item in the project proposal. The first was approved unanimously to support signaling on Highway 281 and I-94 at Exit 258. The second was unanimous support to keep the on-ramp of Exit 257 open. The third was voted yes to support keeping the off-ramp of Exit 257 open pending construction costs of an overhead bypass with Mayor Andersen voting in opposition.
Councilman Dan Buchanan was not present at the meeting.