Practice for drivers to learn ins, outs of the traffic circle; back-in parking
As a key city block of Minnesota State Highway #4 in St. James gets closer to completion, the City of St. James and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) plan for a “rodeo” on Thursday, August 31 to help drivers learn the ins and outs of driving mini-roundabouts (traffic circles) and back-in angle parking.
The Roundabout Rodeo is set to run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 1st Avenue in downtown St. James. It is aimed at educating drivers and pedestrians, celebrating the completion an important phase of the Highway 4 reconstruction and supporting the businesses that have been impacted by construction and detours.
“As we implement new and innovative infrastructure improvements, like mini-roundabouts, we feel compelled to offer educational opportunities for area motorists,” explained MnDOT Project Manager Zak Tess. “And we cannot thank the local leaders enough for their enthusiasm and support to make the roundabout rodeo informative and entertaining for everyone.”
The family fun event will include:
- Test driving the mini-roundabouts and back-in angle parking spots in golf carts.
- Traffic education booth – with seatbelt demonstration (courtesy of Watonwan TZD Coalition).
- Pedestrian safety station (how to cross the street with a roundabout).
- Equipment display (MnDOT snowplow and Crash Cushion).
- Ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.
- Kids activities including a bounce house and face painting.
- Community mural with Artist Sara Udvig.
- Downtown shop specials and door prizes (businesses to remain open until 7 p.m.).
- Chamber Bucks – $250 grand prize.
Presently, the project has progressed to work on Highway 4 from 7th Avenue South to 10th Avenue South. Construction in 2018 will also include a detour as work proceeds from 8th Avenue North to 11th Avenue North.
The Highway 4 project, which extends from south of Watonwan County Fairgrounds to 11th Avenue North, includes utility replacement throughout the project, upgrading sidewalk and pedestrian ramps for safe ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible accommodations, lighting and intersection and access revisions. More information can be found on the project website atwww.mndot.gov/stjames/.
