Faribault Highway 3 Roundabout Officially Open

The City of Faribault conducted a ribbon cutting today officially opening the roundabout on Minnesota HIghway 3 at 30th Street NW in northern Faribault.

I stood on a small hill north of the area and watched for awhile as vehicles were coming from the north and south and entering the roundabout with ease but semis did appear to have some problems going north off 30 Street due to the volume of vehicles coming from the north in particular.

I spoke with City Engineer Mark Duchene and Public Works Director Travis Block about plowing issues that might arise but both stated they'll figure it out.

The city will be responsible for the east and west legs while MnDOT takes care of the actual circle on Highway 3 and the north and south entrances to the roundabout although Duchene did say clearing the roundabout might be a shared duty depending on severity of the storm.

Construction cost was approximately 3.1 million dollars according to Duchene and after adding in design work and other items the total will be just under the 4 million dollar construction estimate given before construction.

Duchene stated approximately 1.8 million dollars came from state and federal grants.

This is Faribault's first roundabout within the city and I asked Duchene if we might see more.  He said there are no plans for that at this time but improvements are planed for some intersections in the community.

For example Highway 21 at 7th Street NW is scheduled to get a new light which will include a left turn off 7th street without cross traffic.