Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session  at 10 a.m. Tuesday, City Hall.

Council Member Buchanan was not present.

The agenda item was to take an official position on plans by the North Dakota Department of Transportation to temporarily close Exit 257 on Interstate 94, and US 281, and install traffic signals at the I-94 and U.S. Highway 281 South on-off ramps on Exit 258.

Mayor Andersen pointed out that the NDDOT public input meeting was held recently.

The NDDOT proposes improvements to the US 281 and I-94 north and south ramp intersections, the north frontage road between I-94 Exits 256 and Exit 257, a temporary closure of I-94 Exit 257, and US 281 and I-94 bridge repair.                                                                                       

Proposed improvements consist of a mill and overlay of the north frontage road between I-94 Exits 256 and 257, temporary closing of I-94 Exit 257, and bridge deck repair of the US 281 and I-94 bridge in Jamestown.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Council Member Gumke said he favors keeping the left exit off  I-94 at Exit 257, eastbound  open and intact. He favors installing the traffic signals at the I-94 and U.S. Highway 281 South on-off ramps on Exit 258.

Council Member Brubakken agreed, with keeping the exit open, pending costs, versus installing another ramp over the interstate.

Council Member Phillips now favors keeping open Exit 257, and pointed out congestion in traffic flows at Highway 281 and 25th Street, Southwest, with traffic going to and from Walmart, Menards, and the Buffalo Mall.

Mayor Andersen questioned if closing the Exit 257 off ramp would also mean closing the on ramp.

Travis Dillman of Interstate Engineering said an overpass from 17th Street Southwest to JRMC is in the future plans.

Jason Babcock of Neighborhood Grocery and Gas favors keeping open Exit 257 concerning access to his business, including out of town traffic.

Colin Wegenast who owns a business near Exit 257 favors keeping the exit open.

The items voted on Tuesday by the City Council were to:

Support the signaling and 281 and I-94.

Support keeping the on ramp at Exit 257 open.

Support keeping the off ramp on Exit 257 open, pending other options, Mayor Andersen voting in opposition.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 67 followed by replays.

The Stutsman County Commission also voted unanimously  disapproving  closing Exit 257 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

The NDDOT was still accepting comments until January 19th.