What We Heard at the City of Ghent's Belgian-American Days

MnDOT conducted a public engagement event for the Hwy 68 Complete Streets Assessment during the City of Ghent's Belgian-American Days, an annual celebration of the community's Belgian heritage. The purpose of the event was to gather input from Ghent residents and others who are potentially affected by future changes in the corridor.

The following themes emerged from public feedback:

  • Chapman Street (County Road 5): Residents expressed a desire for a safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Hwy 68 and Chapman Street. Additional concerns included high vehicle speeds, particularly south of Chapman Street near residential areas, and the bumpy road, which creates discomfort for drivers pulling trailers.
  • Maskel Street: Participants identified a need for improved safety in addition to pedestrian safety and bicycle infrastructure. This is at least in part due to the presence of a community trail network that crosses at Maskel.
  • Collins Street: Several attendees requested enhanced bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. One of the factors behind this location is that Collins is the outlet to a residential development, acting as a funnel for pedestrians to the Hwy 68 corridor.
  • AGPlus Depot on Hwy 68: Residents expressed concerns about truck movements near the depot and the potential safety impacts on other roadway users.


Additional Feedback

  • Speed: Most attendees did not express concerns about vehicle speeds within Ghent. Cars slow down as they approach Ghent and some attribute this to the presence of the Sheriff vehicles on Hwy 68 and the dynamic speed display at Maskel Street.
  • Roundabouts: Opinions on roundabouts were mixed. One attendee supported a roundabout at Chapman Street, while another opposed adding roundabouts anywhere along Hwy 68.
  • Visibility: Several attendees noted that the “hill” on Hwy 68 on the east side of Ghent. Especially for motorists coming into Ghent, there is a concern about limited visibility for entering the community.
  • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB): Although attendees generally felt comfortable walking and bicycling along the corridor, several suggested that installing an RRFB (or similar type of warning device) would improve safety by alerting motorists when pedestrians or bicyclists are crossing Hwy 68.

One attendee completed a paper survey. The respondent indicated that traffic speeds are appropriate and that large trucks and farm equipment are able to navigate the corridor without difficulty.




Share What We Heard at the City of Ghent's Belgian-American Days on Facebook Share What We Heard at the City of Ghent's Belgian-American Days on X (formerly Twitter) Share What We Heard at the City of Ghent's Belgian-American Days on Linkedin Email What We Heard at the City of Ghent's Belgian-American Days link