HomeMy WebLinkAboutBTSCMinutes_2014_08_25Brookings Transportation Steering Committee
August 25, 2014
The Brookings Transportation Steering Committee meeting was held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August
25, 2014 at Brookings City & County Government Center with the following members present: Keith
Corbett, Daryl Englund, Jason Harms, Al Baker, Jacob Mills, Bob Hill and Michael Bartley. Jim Morgan and
Les Rowland were absent. Others present included: City Manager Jeff Weldon; South Dakota
Department of Transportation Representatives: Darin Johnson, Brandon Riss, John Rittershaus and Jeff
Senst (by phone); and Communications Specialist Laurie Carruthers. Chair Corbett called the meeting to
order at 3:01 p.m.
Approval of minutes. Motion made by Hill, seconded by Baker, to approve the August 18, 2014
minutes. All present voted yes, motion carried.
Discussion of Highway 14 By-Pass Project (DOT staff)
Darin Johnson from the DOT Sioux Falls office advised the roundabouts are larger than standard due to
the increased truck volume at this exit, being the first roundabouts in South Dakota and keeping the
intersections safe. The cost for two roundabouts is $1.6 million; the cost for an entire bridge
replacement is $2.0 million. DOT estimates 30-40 years left in the existing structure. Roundabouts were
chosen because it was the best use of taxpayer money, reduced construction time and reduced
maintenance (no signals). Johnson outlined some access changes to current residents and businesses.
Weldon reminded the DOT staff that with access changes onto city streets, they will need to obtain city
approval and coordinate with the City Engineer.
Members asked about alternate detour routes during construction and concerns with increased truck
traffic in the city. Senst advised that the DOT must carefully select detour routes utilizing obvious roads
in good condition. The construction will be completed in the summertime, when Brookings’ population
is decreased.
Weldon reminded members they are scheduled to have a recommendation at their September 8, 2014
meeting.
Discussion of Highway 14 (6th Street from 22nd Avenue to 34th Avenue) (DOT staff)
Johnson advised the project will be funded by DOT, then turned over to the city. Sunrise Ridge Road will
be constructed in 2015, but not in use until 2016. By preparing this road a season ahead, the DOT can
keep the main construction of this project within one season. All frontage roads will be available until
the 2016 construction begins. The bid letting date is April 15, 2015. The intersection of 22nd Avenue at
6th Street will be closed for approximately two months during construction. Currently, the plan is to
have 5’ sidewalks from 22nd Avenue to 32nd Avenue. Members requested cost estimates to increase the
width. Weldon requested a map from the DOT detailing the green space areas.
Weldon advised that their next meeting is September 8, 2014 and they are scheduled to have a
recommendation to the City Council at the September 9, 2014 meeting. Unfortunately, they will be too
late to submit any information for the packet. The Transportation Steering Committee will need to
present a verbal report to the City Council on September 9th.
Other Items
A motion was made by Bartley, seconded by Hill to recommend the City move forward with accepting
the roundabout proposal as presented by the SDDOT. Bartley withdrew the motion.
Adjourn
A motion was made by Bartley, seconded by Mills to adjourn. All present voted yes; motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Carruthers.