SF Study To Reduce Intersection Traffic
by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
February 06, 2013 8:37 PM
There’s an intersection drivers on the road might want to avoid when they come to Sioux Falls.
The 26th street exit off the I-229 is constantly backed up with traffic and now city officials are looking for ways to fix this problem.
People driving on Interstate 229, might come across a wait at the exit ramp leading onto 26th street.
"It's one of the most congested intersections we have in the city," said Huwe.
Chad Huwe, city engineer for Sioux Falls, said the Department of Transportation does interchange studies on interstate systems every 10 years.
This past study unveiled high volumes of traffic at the 26th street exit as well as the intersection of 26th and Southeastern.
City officials have asked for public input to determine the best option to reduce vehicle delay while improving safety.
“Whether or not the road at 26th street should go over the railroad tracks, whether it should stay there, how do the pedestrians maneuver this intersection, how do the bicyclists, the bike trail is right there, the big Sioux River is right there," said Huwe.
During rush hour the 26th exit is sometimes backed up with cars all the way to the interstate.
"Traffic does back up a little bit," said Sahr.
Dan Sahr lives on the west side of 26th and said he notices the traffic coming off the exit ramp from his back yard.
He said he hopes the city comes up with a suitable plan to fix this issue.
"Something that's fair and equitable for everyone, because obviously there's some people that have some chances to lose their homes," said Sahr.
Which are factors that will be taken into consideration as the city continues to research options to improve 26th street off the I-229.
"There's just all these different things that affect how traffic moves out here and they're all an important part of what we'll do here moving forward," said Huwe.
A solution won't come quickly; there will be two more public meetings regarding this study.
Once the city approves a final plan, it will probably be 2018 before construction begins.
