Jill Schramm/MDN A stop sign reinforces the flashing red signals at the intersection of 11th Avenue and Sixth Street Southwest, near Jim Hill Middle School Monday. The Minot City Council is considering removing the signals and putting four-way stop signs put in place.

Traffic signals near a Minot middle school would be removed and replaced with stop signs under a plan approved by the Minot City Council Monday.

The council voted Monday to make the change for the intersection of Sixth Street and 11th Avenue Southwest, where signals have been on flashing red since August due to a malfunction. The change would come after final approval of an ordinance, which still requires action.

The cost of replacing the signals, which could be as high as $550,000, depending on the option selected, was a factor in the council’s decision. Removal of the signals with stop sign replacement is estimated to cost $18,000.

“As we look to the future, we know we’re facing incredible costs from everything related to intersection lighting,” council member Mike Blessum said. “What I like about this proposal is the data back it up that a four-way stop makes sense there, and the long-term plan also even heads towards a roundabout, which I think is a better solution.”

Regarding the signal failure at the intersection next to Jim Hill Middle School, city staff had noted in a memo that the equipment for the signal system, manufactured in 1989, came from Bismarck’s scrap pile. The system was installed as part of the 2003-2005 reconstruction of South Broadway.

The memo also noted the addition of a third middle school this year has reduced enrollment at Jim Hill from 850 to 500 students, curbing the amount of traffic. Additionally, the nearby Minot High School converted from a high school for juniors and seniors to a grades 9-12 high school with the opening of Minot North this year, which also eases traffic.

According to the analysis of engineering staff, stop signs would decrease the level of service for the morning peak half hour of traffic, but the remainder of the day would see equal to or greater levels of service. Because a portion of the intersection does warrant a signal, based on the traffic standards, engineering staff presented proposals for council consideration that included signal replacement.

Full traffic signal replacement is estimated at $500,000-$550,000. However, permanent signals also would add to construction difficulties in and near the intersection during an upcoming 11th Avenue Southwest storm sewer district, staff reported.

Interim improvements involving either a simplified signal cabinet replacement, costing $80,000-$90,000, or a signal cabinet with video detection improvements, costing $140,000-$150,000, were other options. The remainder of the system, including foundations, poles and mast arms, could be installed later as part of the storm sewer project or the entire system could be replaced at that time.

Yet another option offered was a mini-roundabout, which engineers expect would have capability of handling school traffic, including peak hour traffic.

In going ahead with stop signs, city traffic engineer Stephen Joersz presented a staff recommendation for increased street lighting through that area to aid in pedestrian visibility. He also said the engineering department can look into the cost of flashing stop signs for improved pedestrian safety near the school.