This letter pertains to the Bridge Avenue plans:

It would be nice to see some graphics and plans of what each of the parties is proposing and the county/city are denying in the articles relating to the Kwik Trip and Hy-Vee Gas proposals.

The short span between all of these accesses (Interstate 90, Hersey Street, Sykes Street, Airport Road) on each side and all of the left-turn movements makes it a dangerous area. There is just too much crap in one small area.

I think I would propose a large radius roundabout at each end of this area and then build a median eliminating all left turns. This would eliminate all of the weaving combined with all of the left turns and avoid the costly construction and maintenance of traffic signals.

Build a roundabout at each of the I-90 ramps with the southside/eastbound ramp being a larger version to allow people needing to visit west-side business to make a U-turn there. Then no left turns down to Hersey Street or Airport Road where another large roundabout should be built.

All driveways, etc., on each side would be right-in/right-out accesses making traffic flow much cleaner and cut accidents immensely.

This would take less right-of-way, and less maintenance equals lower initial and long term costs.

I might add overall safety would be vastly improved reducing the likelihood of any serious accidents (broadsides and head-on collisions to minor fender benders).

This would likely satisfy all parties and get these projects done and moving ahead.

P.S.: I grew up in Albert Lea and am in town at least once a month. I work for civil engineering consultants as I have for 35-plus years.

 

Carroll Aasen Jr

Chaska