JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Public Works Committee discussed the latest information surrounding the Road Diet trial being conducted on 1st Avenue in Jamestown.

Jamestown City Engineer Travis Dillman reminded the committee that the trial is only a portion of what the road diet would be and doesn’t fully show the effects of what it’ll bring to downtown.

Currently, traffic signals that would be removed as part of the project are flashing yellow to north and southbound travelers, while it flashes red for east and westbound traffic.

Dillman says they have plans to place bags over these to allow traffic to become acclimated to the new layout. This should be done within the next two to three week and stop signs will be properly placed.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger agreed that there has been some confusion with the lights and four lanes, adding that increasing sight lines would possibly help.

At this time, Chief Edinger doesn’t have the data on any accidents that have occurred along main at this time. He says they’ve also seen an increase in speed for motorists.

Dillman added that when it’s reduced from 4 lanes to 2 with the added bulbouts, there will be a natural “calming” effect to traffic.

Chief Edinger added his concerns with the 3rd Street crossing, saying at this time it appears motorists are favoring the street for crossing 1st Avenue.

Dillman stated that there will be four pedestrian activated crossings installed as well to help reduce conflict points and allow for better pedestrian traffic across 1st Avenue.

The current bid opening for the project is planned for August 7th, 2020. Depending on the opening, work on the project could start this fall and be completed in 2021.