JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Over the summer, rehabilitation work took place on I-94 Exit 257 just west of Jamestown.

Michael Johnson is the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Urban Engineer.

During that time, the exit was temporarily closed off for most of the summer until mid-September. Johnson says they used that time to conduct a survey regarding the usage of the exit.

Johnson says the survey was to start a base of data as they continue to analyze and study the future removal of that exit.

The survey received 1,799 responses with a majority of those responses coming from the city of Jamestown. Others who answered were from Stutsman County or have used that exit in the past. Nearly 1,600 of those responses says the closure of Exit 257 during that time affected their travel pattern in a negative way.

Motorists said as an alternative, they would use Exit 258, Exit 256, or Exit 260 to enter into the City of Jamestown.

Johnson says this fell in line with what they’ve seen and heard in past discussions regarding Exit 257.

He added they’re thankful for those who took time to provide them this valuable data as discussions continue on next steps to take regarding Exit 257.

Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich stated he’s appreciative of the minimal complains the city received as they worked with the DOT on numerous road projects this summer.

In looking at the survey results, Mayor Heinrich says there really weren’t any surprises.

You can click here to view the survey results

Listen a full interview with Michael Johnson below:

You can hear the Mayor’s full statement below: