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City, county oppose roundabout

Subhead
Luverne and Rock County approve resolutions opting for new lights, adding turn lanes
Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

Luverne City Council members approved a resolution in support of traffic lights and right turn lanes at Main Street and Highway 75.
The resolution approved at their Tuesday, Dec. 21, meeting represents a response to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposal for a roundabout at the intersection.
At a joint meeting of the City of Luverne and Rock County on Nov. 16, MnDOT representatives presented information about the U.S. Highway 75 resurfacing project in 2025.
The state officials said an intersection control evaluation recommends replacing the obsolete stoplights at the intersection with a compact roundabout.
MnDOT representatives at the meeting assured city and county officials the state was seeking input on the intersection, and local voices would be considered in the solution for the Highway 75 and Main Street intersection.
The City of Luverne and Rock County were required to adopt a resolution by Dec. 31 identifying which traffic configuration they support.
City and Rock County officials worked together on the resolution in support of right turn lanes and updated traffic lights for the intersection.
“This was the least invasive of the options,” council member Kevin Aaker said at the Dec. 21 city meeting.
“It also protects the integrity of the crosswalks,” council member Dan Nath pointed out.
Mayor Pat Baustian agreed.
“At that intersection in this community, with agricultural equipment, semis and all the pedestrian traffic, a roundabout just doesn’t fit into the equation,” he said.
“There was not really consideration for public safety on those roundabout areas in terms of walking.”
He said discussion with county commissioners showed clear opposition to a roundabout.
“Definitely no roundabout is desired,” Baustian said. “If we don’t have to have a roundabout, the right turn lanes would be the thing to do.”
Rock County Highway Engineer Mark Sehr supported right turn lanes at the northeast corner and southwest corner and carving back those two corners for semis making right turns.
The new lane configuration will involve restriping Main Street to add turn lanes, removing parking for half of the block to taper for the added width.
New traffic lights will not have left turn arrows.
Main Street will have a left turn lane in the center, and the right lane will be for traffic going straight or turning right. Right turns will be allowed on red lights.
Curb and sidewalk reconstruction and right of way acquisition would be required in all four quadrants.
Commissioners approved their version of the resolution at the County Board meeting Tuesday morning, Dec. 28.

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