The intersection at the heart of Minot is once again open to the public, as the Downtown Infrastructure Project hits a key milestone. Strata Corporation finished substantial completion on the underground and aboveground work on Central Avenue, through Main Street, over the weekend and has opened the Main and Central intersection. They are encouraging drivers and pedestrian to remain alert through this area as construction crews will still be working downtown to finalize details and continue work in other areas of downtown.
“We are very pleased to see this important intersection open to the public once again,” said Lance Meyer, City Engineer. “This milestone means we are one step closer to being finished with the 2015 portion of this significant and vital overhaul of the downtown utilities, roadways and walkways.”
The intersection of Main Street and Central Avenue is the first in the project to showcase expanded bumpouts for pedestrians and downtown-goers to enjoy. The intersection also no longer has traffic lights, as drivers will experience a temporary three-way stop in this area. Once all of Central Avenue is open, then Central will be a through street, with stop signs for cars heading north and south on Main Street.
“Drivers will also notice that the bumpouts at Main and Central have provided a great opportunity for them to slow down as they drive on standard 12-foot wide driving lanes through this intersection,” said Meyer. “The street lighting, benches, tables and trash receptacles that will be going in over the next couple of weeks will make for a very inviting downtown.”
The new planter beds for flowers and new locations for trees will be brought to life next spring.
Drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution in the downtown areas that just opened to traffic, as crews will be working to finalize these details and continue their work on other streets downtown.
Downtown businesses remain open and accessible during the construction. Where construction is still impacting the normal flow, shoppers are encouraged to seek on-street parking in locations north and south of Central Avenue, and use proper caution when accessing businesses via the provided temporary sidewalks.
Construction information will be provided through the website, www.downtownminotisopen.com. You can also contact the public information team for the project at 857-7205, and ask for Mark Lyman or Bryan Obenchain.
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