Summary: May 2024, Design review

In May, we asked the community to review the first draft design. Thank you to everyone who participated and provided feedback. This will help inform and advance the design process. We will notify the community when we have another review opportunity.

Here is a summary of what we heard:

Tracy Rd. to Grant St.

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Themes that emerged from community feedback:

Some are worried about the removal of on-street parking. They argue that parking is essential for local businesses, deliveries, and garbage pickup.
Neighbors expressed a desire to narrow the roadway as it would have less impact on their personal property. [Link to information about segment choice.]
Several comments highlight concerns about the potential impact on traffic flow, especially for large vehicles, semis, and agricultural vehicles. Others approved the change and expressed concerns about the current speeds of vehicles.
Many comments support the idea of improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Suggestions include adding an additional crosswalk.

Examples of comments provided by community members:

"The highway seems dangerous with speeding vehicles. It’s also hard to see pedestrians on the highway."
"Smaller roads are annoying to travel and make turns. This is a busy street and making it narrower will slow traffic."
"Slowing traffic is a good priority along with safety for foot traffic."

Broadway Ave. Intersection

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Themes that emerged from community feedback:

Some commenters believe the proposed design will enhance safety and reduce confusion, especially for out-of-town motorists.
Others requested a right turn lane and voiced concerns about right turning vehicles disrupting traffic flow. (Please note, that it is unclear if those who voiced this concern were aware of the right-turn lane that is already included in the design.)
Some appreciate potential aesthetic enhancements, such as new grassy areas for city signage and the maintenance of a flag and flower garden to welcome visitors.

Examples of comments provided by community members:

"I love the slip lane. Semis will be forced to slow down or possible stop for slow right-hand turners. I used the slip lane 1000’s of times and would hate to see it go."
"Would be much less confusing for out-of-town motorist. A lot nicer for pedestrians."
"This should take the confusion out of this intersection. It would allow the city to maintain a flag and flower garden to welcome to Spring Valley. "

Section Ave. Intersection

View full-sized imageThemes that emerged from community feedback:

Opinions on the effectiveness of roundabouts were divided. Some believe that roundabouts can help improve traffic flow and reduce crashes, while others think they are confusing and would lead to more accidents.
Several expressed concern about the ability of elderly drivers, semi-trucks, and farm equipment to navigate the roundabout without issues.
Some expressed doubts about the safety of roundabouts, particularly for pedestrians. They mentioned concerns for kids/students and others needing to cross the intersection.

Examples of comments provided by community members:

"As a traveler who either passes through this intersection on a longer trip or who stops at the Kwik Trip on the southeast corner of the intersection, I think it would more easily facilitate access and travel through the area.”
“Roundabouts are not safer for pedestrians. A stoplight would be safer.”
“As a pedestrian, I much prefer the roundabout. Only concern would be that it can handle the truck traffic?”
“As a local fireman this would reduce crashes, hopefully.”
“These are excessively expensive. Just put cross walks on all 4 sides. Make them very wide. Our signs up to warn drivers that there is a 4 way stop ahead. Way cheaper.”
“We do not need something that stupid in our town. Put up stop lights if you feel there is a problem.”
“Now that I'm used to roundabouts, I like them. And this intersection would be better if traffic kept flowing and hopefully less accidents.”

Griswold St./Center Ave.

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Themes that emerged from community feedback:

Many comments suggest that the proposed changes will help simplify the intersection, solve existing problems and make the roads safer.
The new design is seen as simpler and more convenient, addressing the difficulty of seeing in all directions at the current intersection.

Examples of comments provided by community members:

“Seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars for more walking paths when it’s not an absolute necessity.”
“It is another one of those confusing intersections for out-of-town motorists. The proposed design is much simpler.”
“This intersection is tough to look over your shoulder.”

ADA section

From Hwy 16/63 intersection to just south of E. Market St.

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From just south of E. Market St. to W. Freemont St.

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From W. Freemont St. to just north of S. Broadway Ave.

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From just north of S. Broadway Ave. to Co. Rd. 12/Sample Rd.

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Themes that emerged from community feedback:

Many comments express approval of making the sidewalks ADA compliant, highlighting the importance of accessibility for all community members, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Several comments question the necessity of the proposed changes, viewing them as potentially wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.

Examples of comments provided by community members:

“Again, spending taxpayer dollars on something not absolutely necessary.”
“Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 63 needs a better pedestrian crossing. Not very good access to the bike path park east side of town. It needs at minimum a flashing light crosswalk.”
“As a walker any improvements to the addition or improvements to the sidewalks is a good thing!”