Dean Clayton Whitmore, Minot

I am writing in regards to additional stop signs downtown due to safety issues, and while I agree safety is the issue, I would like to bring up an increasing problem area in SW Minot.

The increasing danger issue is on 31st Ave. and 10th Street in southwest Minot. There used to be signal lights there but due to outdated poles and wiring it was taken down when 31st Ave. was improved due to flooding problems. The city engineer decided the traffic wasn’t bad enough for new signal lights due to cost of system so the subject of 4 way stop signs was discussed and the final decision was north/south stop signs would be adequate.

I am sure the city fathers know of the building in SW Minot, and with new business and homes being built all around the area and the close proximity to the Dakota Square Mall the traffic has increased considerably. The traffic is steady going east/west but traffic on 10th St. by people coming from Walmart find it impossible to cross 31st or turn to go west on 31st.

When the new hospital is completed the traffic is going to be much worse as other streets to go north or east on 37th is already steady so they turn on 10th St. only to run into stalemate on 31st Ave.

There have been numerous minor accidents but we are starting to see 2 to 3 car pileups on that intersection and with the speed of some of the drivers, it is starting to get more dangerous.

I think the city engineer had better come and sit at this intersection during heavier traffic times and will see need for a change in either 4 way stop signs or new signal light before someone is hurt badly.