BROOKINGS Its going to take time, perhaps a lot of time, but preliminary plans to improve 214th Street between Brookings and Aurora were spelled out in a presentation to the Brookings County Commission on Tuesday morning.
The draft study was presented by representatives from Brookings-based Banner Associates and Omaha, Neb.-based HDR Inc. and by the time it wrapped up roughly an hour and a half later, no one in the room was under the illusion that the proposed project would be easy.
This is quite a project its been a real learning experience for me, Commissioner Kelly VanderWal said. This is going to be a heavy lift, any which way we look at it. Its going to take a lot of hands to help lift that so the more entities we can get involved here this is a big project that we need some federal funding for. We need start that process, the sooner the better.
A number of options for that 3-mile stretch of 214th Street specifically, from its intersection with 34th Avenue east to its intersection with South Broadway Avenue in Aurora exist, with a price ranging from $5.5 million to $22.2 million. In addition to two, 12-foot paved lanes, options include road shoulders ranging from 6 to 8 feet in width, along with a shared-use path for non-motorized traffic.
Before any actual construction can be considered, though, a number of other factors will come into play, factors that will turn the proposed project into a years-long endeavor. They include:
- Environmental impacts and assessments
- Land acquisition for right-of-way
- Relocation of utilities
- Water mitigation planning
The incoming changes are being spurred by the recent opening of Exit 130, a third Interstate 29 interchange in Brookings, where 20th Street South was extended east across the interstate. Its expected to bring about new residential and economic development not only to Brookings, but Aurora as well and with it, increased traffic. A lot of increased traffic, actually, according to roughly 20-year projections made during the presentation, with a daily volume ranging from the low thousands up to 12,000, depending on what part of 214th Street youre on or near.
The interchanges impact is already being felt, with Aurora and Trenton townships hoping that Brookings County will take over maintenance of 214th Street through their jurisdictions. Its an issue that county commissioners plan to take up in the near future while also making plans for a public gathering regarding construction options with that 3-mile stretch of what is now just a gravel road albeit one thats rapidly taking on more traffic and significance than it was ever designed to handle.
The overpass became a reality, probably quicker than we thought, Commissioner Larry Jensen said. Its unfortunate that this stretch of road wasnt included with the project, but it wasnt. Like Commissioner VanderWal said, were going to need funding partners, (so) well be looking for funding sources.
He continued, Its much needed. Aurora is growing. The school system in Brookings is growing. Industry is growing in Brookings. Its a better route to Brookings.
In other business at Tuesday mornings meeting, commissioners:
- Heard a presentation from Todd VanderWal of Brookings Municipal Utilities regarding a three- to four-week maintenance project that will require the temporary closing of a portion of 34th Avenue, along with similar actions on parts of 32nd Street and Medary Avenue South. No detours are planned, but there will be appropriate signage in place.
- On a voice vote, approved Agreement #24-24, which specifies regulations for where people can circulate petitions and distribute political campaign materials while on the grounds of the Brookings City & County Government Center. The matter next moves to the Brookings City Council for action there.
- Approved a variety of bids for the Highway Department involving materials such as crushed gravel, rip rap, asphalt and road oil.
- On a 5-0 vote, OKd the low bid of $649,823.07 from Bowes Construction for this years surfacing project in the county.
- Also on a 5-0 vote, gave the green light to the low bid of $76,319.40 from The Road Guy Construction Co. of Yankton for this years chip seal project in the county.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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