News Release

Bemidji, MN. --- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is advising the public about several changes in traffic control devices that will take place in two areas of East Grand Forks on Business Trunk Highway 2 beginning on Tuesday, October 7, 2003.

According to Monty Eidem, Mn/DOT's Northwest District Traffic Engineer, the 4-way stop signs at DeMers and 3rd Street N.W. will be removed and the intersection will be designated as a 2-way stop. Eidem said "to ease the transition, temporary signs will be posted alerting the public to the changes." The 4-way stop signs at DeMers and 3rd St. N.W. were installed some years ago by the City of East Grand Forks and were acceptable because of a possible turn-back of roadway to the city. However, the city elected not to accept the turn-back and Mn/DOT retained ownership, therefore, the signing has to return to the original condition.

Eidem said the second location is at 4th St. N.W. and 3rd Avenue N.W. where the signal light will be removed and that intersection will also be designated as a 2-way stop. The signal light at 4th St. and 3rd Avenue N.W. was originally installed when the highway had a right angle turn at the intersection. Since the trunk highway was rerouted and the turn removed, a signal light was no longer justified at this location.

Eidem said, "As part of the review process, Mn/DOT has conducted a three year traffic study at these locations and based upon the findings of only one reported crash in each location, the upcoming revisions are consistent with the National and State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and by State Statute 169.06 which applies to all public roads." Eidem added, "Our decision for these changes is consistent with the recommendations made by H.R. Green, consultant for the Metropolitan Planning Organization and approved by the city of East Grand Forks."

Eidem said, "many motorists are creatures of habit and with such changes there will be a transition period when everyone should exercise caution while traveling through the intersections."

See ORANGE.

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