JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Over the summer, residents and visitors alike will be contributing to a trial run of what part of the Road Diet will look like in Jamestown.

The decision to remove all but one traffic light along 1st Avenue in Jamestown comes from a study by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Lead Engineer Ben Aaseth with Interstate Engineering says the study was conducted in 2019.

Aaseth says from that study, they counted traffic, movement, and pedestrian traffic. They also completed a traffic study, which has eight warrants a location must meet in order to be deemed necessary.

Aaseth says with the studies completed, the city of Jamestown was required to create a 90-day trial period to analyze driver and pedestrian traffic flow. Currently, the traffic lights deemed unnecessary are flashing yellow with stop signs posted at the intersection. Covers have been ordered and will be placed over each of these lights.

City Engineer Travis Dillman says the original project was created to create a better aesthetic or appearance for downtown Jamestown.

With that original proposal and going through the funding process, Dillman added that the decision of what needs to be done is left up to the Department of Transportation.

Aaseth says any major accidents will be studied over the 90-day period. Depending on that, the project will be let out for bids sometime in August.

From there, bump-outs would be installed at a majority of the intersections along with lane changes and four rectangular flashing beacons to help pedestrian traffic, which can be activated at 5th Street South, 2nd Street South, 3rd Street North, and 4th Avenue Northwest.

Dillman added that the 90-day trial is just a portion of changes that will be made to increase safety and aesthetics of downtown Jamestown.

Those who have questions about the trial can contact Ben Aaseth at 701-252-0234 or Jamestown City Hall at 701-252-5900.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Ben Aaseth and Travis Dillman below: