Residents react to 16th Street plans

The intersection of progress and community concern played out Tuesday evening at Perkett School, as residents of Velva’s neighboring Minot voiced anxieties about the proposed reconstruction of 16th Street Southwest. While city planners envision a smoother, safer roadway, many homeowners expressed reservations about the inclusion of roundabouts and the potential for cost overruns, highlighting the delicate balance between infrastructure improvements and the preservation of neighborhood character. The second phase of the project, extending from Burdick Expressway north to Second Avenue Southwest, is slated for construction in 2028, following the completion of the first phase from Burdick south to 14th Avenue Southwest in 2025.

The 16th Street Southwest Reconstruction Project

The City of Minot is undertaking a two-phase reconstruction of 16th Street Southwest. The first phase, completed in 2025, improved the section of road from Burdick south to 14th Avenue Southwest. The current, second phase will extend from Burdick Expressway north to Second Avenue Southwest and is scheduled for construction in 2028. The project aims to address road curvatures, replace asphalt pavement, upgrade underground utilities, and improve ADA accessibility. Funding for the $12.74 million to $15.6 million project (in 2028 dollars) will come from $5.37 million in federal funds, $5.7 million to $6.3 million from the City of Minot’s Hub City oil and gas funds and city water and sewer fund reserves, with no special assessments proposed.

Community Concerns at the Public Meeting

The public meeting, held November 10th at Perkett School, drew a crowd eager to engage with engineers from Apex Engineering and city officials regarding the planned improvements. A central point of contention revolved around the proposed roundabouts at Fifth and Seventh Avenues Southwest, with some residents voicing concerns about the potential for accidents, particularly during winter conditions. “They’re not going to solve anything,” one resident stated, reflecting a widespread skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed traffic circles. The possibility of traffic backups at Second Avenue and Burdick intersections, exacerbated by reducing driving lanes from four to two with an inner turn lane, also fueled anxieties about daily commutes and neighborhood access. Already, traffic can back up to the point that motorists can't get out at Fifth Avenue, one resident noted. Residents also raised serious questions about pedestrian safety, particularly for children, suggesting a stoplight as an alternative to a roundabout.

Beyond the design itself, the prospect of removing a home to accommodate a roundabout understandably caused distress among some residents, with one individual expressing a firm desire to avoid living near such a structure. The financial implications of the project were also under scrutiny, with residents seeking clarification on cost savings associated with alternative designs. Engineers provided rough estimates, indicating that each roundabout could cost between $700,000 and $800,000. The elimination of previously planned bike lanes, a change from a 2023 meeting, resulted in widening the east-side sidewalk to 10 feet and narrowing the west-side sidewalk to 5 feet, with a slight reduction in the distance between the roadway and adjacent homes.

Addressing Cost Concerns and Project Assurance

Project manager Matt Kinsella with Apex Engineering sought to alleviate public apprehension about cost overruns, noting that the bid on the southern portion of 16th Street came in under the estimate. He emphasized that “The project won't proceed into construction unless the funds are all there to be able to take it all the way through and complete it.” This reassurance, coupled with the city’s commitment to utilizing various funding sources, aims to build confidence in the project’s financial viability.

Project Details and Modifications

The project's scope extends beyond just road surface and traffic flow. It includes asphalt pavement replacement, panel replacement, underground utility upgrades, ADA accessibility improvements, addressing road curvatures, and potentially prohibiting left turns at Fifth Avenue. A revised traffic signal at Second Avenue Southwest and new street lighting are also part of the plan. The project will also include a 30 mph transition zone near Burdick Expressway. Temporary easements and possible right-of-way acquisition will likely be necessary, and engineers outlined a plan for maintaining resident access during construction, tentatively scheduled for May-October 2028. The 16th Street Southwest bridge over the Souris River is expected to remain open during construction, though the segment between Seventh and Fifth Avenues will be closed and traffic detoured.

Staying Informed and Providing Feedback

The engineers are aiming to identify a preferred project design by February and to have it bid-ready by August. Residents who wish to stay informed can sign up for an email newsletter by contacting Kelly Nissen, public information coordinator, at [email protected]. An online survey, likely to be distributed in January, will provide a more formal avenue for residents to express their opinions and preferences. Project updates will also be available at minotroads.com. Residents can submit comments to [email protected] with “Public Input Meeting PCN 24303” in the subject line, with a deadline of November 25th, though some flexibility exists.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Progress and Community

The ongoing discussions surrounding the 16th Street reconstruction project serve as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bonds between residents, city officials, and engineers, ensuring that infrastructure improvements reflect the values and priorities of the Velva community. By fostering open communication and embracing collaborative problem-solving, we can build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant future for all.

Resources

For residents seeking more information about the 16th Street Southwest reconstruction project, several resources are available. The Minot Roads website provides updates and project details. Residents can also sign up for an email newsletter by contacting Kelly Nissen at [email protected]. The City of Minot’s website, www.minotnd.org, offers a wealth of information about city services and initiatives. For those interested in learning more about traffic engineering principles and roundabout design, the Federal Highway Administration’s website, www.fhwa.dot.gov, provides valuable resources and technical guidance. The City of Velva’s website, https://www.cityofvelva.com/, offers information about local government and community events.

The Velva Chamber of Commerce, https://velvanorthdakota.com/, is a valuable resource for local businesses and residents seeking to connect with the community. The North Dakota Department of Transportation, https://www.ndtransportation.gov/, provides information about statewide transportation projects and initiatives. Families seeking support and resources can contact local organizations dedicated to strengthening families and promoting community well-being, such as the United Way of Minot, https://unitedwayminot.org/.

The concerns voiced by residents regarding the 16th Street reconstruction project are a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing progress with preservation. While infrastructure improvements are vital for a thriving community, they must be implemented with careful consideration for the impact on those who live and work nearby. The anxieties surrounding the roundabouts—the potential for accidents, traffic congestion, and the disruption to neighborhood character—are legitimate and deserve to be addressed with transparency and responsiveness. It’s encouraging to see the city’s willingness to solicit further input and consider alternative designs. The financial aspect is also crucial; ensuring that projects remain within budget is not merely a matter of fiscal prudence but also a reflection of respect for taxpayers.