FAIRMONT - Fairmont City Council is weighing the consequences of two big construction projects in the near future - not counting the new water treatment plant.
The first is the deteriorating Lair Bridge, a million-dollar dilemma with no easy solution. The second involves possibly adding a roundabout at Johnson Street and Highway 15.
The council has set a hearing for 5:30 p.m. March 8 at City Hall to gain public feedback on street improvements slated for 2010. Among the projects is reconstruction of Johnson Street from Prairie Avenue to Highway 15. The council has to decide whether to include a roundabout.
Roundabouts are an increasingly common alternative to stop lights, used as a means to slow and better control traffic. Studies of the intersection - a frequent source of complaints - have concluded there is not enough constant traffic to warrant a stop light.
"I want to make sure we have a public hearing before we make any decision," said Councilman Harlan Gorath.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is offering to split the cost, meaning the city would have to pay about $600,000 if the council votes in favor of a roundabout.
"My gut's kind of telling me, I don't know if we will have the money to do this," said Councilman Wes Clerc.
City Administrator Jim Zarling concurred: "It is expensive, and no, we don't have to do it now. ... But if it is something you want to consider, it would make sense to do it now."
The state funds, warned Public Works director Troy Nemmers, may not be available in the future, if the council should decide to hold off on installing a roundabout.
While the council can leave the intersection of Johnson Street and Highway 15 as is, the city doesn't have the same luxury with Lair Bridge.
"It's definitely due for replacement," Nemmers said.
Discussion about relocating the bridge at Gomsrud Park began about two years ago, with no conclusions reached. In the meantime, the bridge and channel connecting Hall and Budd lakes have been inspected twice per month. Those inspections reveal continued signs of deterioration.
State Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, and Rep. Bob Gunther, R-Fairmont, requested $1 million for the bridge in the state's upcoming bonding bill.
"We want to take advantage of that and be prepared if it is approved," Zarling said.
Bolton & Menk has examined the bridge and offered three options:
o Move the bridge just northeast of the existing channel, which would cost $2.2 million;
o Build dual box culverts, at a cost of $1.4 million;
o Move the bridge just northwest of the existing channel, costing $2.1 million.
The engineering firm is recommending the third option. Plans for the project show Lair Road curving to the north to accommodate the new bridge, with a sidewalk on each side and a path leading pedestrians safely under the bridge, rather than having them cross the busy street.
With street improvements, the project would cost $2.5 million, which includes taking out the old road and landscaping on the additional shoreline.
"I like the idea of having a path under the bridge," said Councilwoman Sue Anderson. "I think\ it looks like a nice project."