by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Yet another roundabout will be constructed along the northwestern end of the St. Cloud area – this one at the intersection of CR 133 and 19th Avenue in west Sartell, midway between the intersection of CR 133 and CR 4 and Pinecone Road.
The project is likely to be started in 2014. The intersection in question is a very dangerous intersection. In recent years there have been some serious injuries, but fortunately no deaths there, due to crashes.
Because that intersection is dangerous, that fact convinced the federal government to give $400,000 in safety-grant money for the project. Although the speed limit for traffic coming from the west toward Sartell is 50 mph, many vehicles travel well in excess of the posted speed. It’s also hazardous for the many bicyclists who travel in that area.
The roundabout will be a four-legged configuration, with CR 133 going west and east of the roundabout and 19th Avenue going north and south. A roundabout there would certainly slow down traffic and enhance safety.
The cost of building the roundabout would be split. The grant would pay for $400,000, the lion’s share. Sartell and Stearns County would split the remaining costs on a three-fourth (city) and one-fourth (county) percentage. Sartell’s share of the cost would be between $60,000 and $70,000, depending on how the bids come in.