More stop signs coming

Resident asks for

North Garden

light change

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Stop signs are expected to be added this week on North Minnesota Street in an effort to improve traffic flow during the Highway 14 reconstruction project.

New Ulm Police Commander Erv Weinkauf said Monday at the weekly project public meeting that stop signs will be placed on Minnesota Street between Eighth North and 17th North streets.

Weinkauf fielded a complaint about increased weekend traffic on State Street by saying it was anticipated and will have to be adapted to.

North Garden Street resident Jesse Versch asked Minnesota Department of Transportation Chief Inspector Marv Kruger if timing of stoplights at the intersection of North Garden Street, (CSAH 29) and Highway 14 could be altered in order to prevent traffic from backing up so far.

"I can hardly get out of my driveway between 3 to 6 p.m.," Versch said. "Traffic is backed up three blocks sometimes. How about changing the stop sign timing?" he asked.

Kruger said the signal technician will take a look at the issue.

The project is off to a good start, subcontractors are working well and everybody else seems to know their job, according to Kruger. He added that so far, traffic has been good about avoiding construction areas.

An effort will be made to keep 12th North Street open as long as possible because it's a heavily-traveled road, Kruger added.

Meanwhile, concrete removal between Seventh and Ninth North streets and 14th North and 17th North streets will continue this week. Water main work will mean more cross-street closures between Seventh and Ninth North.

Contractor trucks will be using Minnesota Street, from Seventh North to 12th North; and Garden Street from 12th North to 20th North as designated haul routes to access the project.

Motorists were urged to use extreme caution in alleys around businesses and to bypass construction areas because alley traffic has increased significantly, according to the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce Hwy. 14 Reconstruction Weekly Update fax.

Regarding long backups when DM&E trains are crossing detour streets, subcontractor Jeff Carlson of Springfield said he called the railroad and learned that it will not alter its schedule.

Questions regarding boulevard signs can be directed to New Ulm City Engineer Steve Koehler at 359-8245.

The public is invited to weekly project update meetings that begin at 1 p.m. at the Brown County License Bureau Room B, 1900 N. Franklin St.

For more information, visit www.newulm.com, click on Chamber of Commerce and MnDOT logo and/or www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/newulm14/