Glazed roads result in morning crashes
A little overnight glaze on the roads results in multiple crashes this morning. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn reported, “three crashes between mile marker 69 and 72. One was a rollover and two were vehicles that just crashed into the center median wire. And then there was a two vehicle minor injury crash and 19 and 35”. No one used transport for the minor injuries. Dunn said the vehicles were all going faster than conditions warranted. He added that they all had 4 wheel drive which does nothing on ice. Bridge decks, ramps and any raised road surface are areas you need to use caution on. DOT has since put down product on the roadways.
The conundrum of Hwy 246 and Jefferson
What to do with the intersection at hwy 246 and Jefferson? The debate continues as the consultant, last week, recommended a single lane roundabout and community members want the issue of bicyclist and pedestrian safety more fully addressed. Northfield Administrator Ben Martig commented that research on a roundabout shows it, “would dramatically improve pedestrian safety as well as traffic flows”. Martig says it’s proven effective. The City is working on getting the presentation video online which shows video of students utilizing a crosswalk at a roundabout. Another area of concern is crossing Division Street at the High School. Most of the students shortcut through the church. Martig said they’re looking at, “the area from the north side from Marvin Lane heading south near the cemetery area creating a designated crosswalk”. Another idea involves changes at Bridgewater Elementary due to congestion on Jefferson. The consultant is recommending a change to the entry. There would be a one-way entrance from Hwy 246 and exit onto Jefferson Pkwy. This will come before Council in mid-February.
NAFRS meeting includes Facility action
The NAFRS Joint Powers Board meets tomorrow morning with three recommended items of action by the Facilities Committee. The authorization of a professional services contract with DJ Medin Architects for $161,650, a professional services contract with ProCon out of Faribault for $151,500 and appointing Jerry Anderson as NAFRS Project representative at $26,000. Anderson is an ex-officio member of the NAFRS Board. Dundas Mayor Glenn Switzer and Administrator John McCarthy have continually questioned how the Facilities committee has come to their decisions. Other questions include how fire protection will be handled during construction? How would the JPA handle any shortfall on dollars needed? Other questions included what happens to the bond issue if the construction comes in under budget. McCarthy said the Dundas Council would like more insight before making “a commitment to proceed”. The meeting is at 9 tomorrow morning in the Fire Facility conference room and is open to the public.
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