Colfax north end options

Mayor Todd Vanek April 16 reported state Department of Transportation officials have requested a session with the city council to discuss the next course of action for revision of the intersection of highways 26 and 195 at the north end of town.

Plans for the intersection have been sidetracked after state officials learned the project had not qualified for a federal Transportation Improvement Grant for Economic Recovery. The state has said "outside funds," such as the TIGER grant, would be needed for revision of the intersection.

Proposals for the intersection have included a T intersection or possibly a roundabout.

Mayor Vanek Monday said the state is now looking at rehabilitating the two bridges that are now used for the intersection or waiting for eventual grant funds for a full rebuild. The reconstruction option could put the start of the project back to 2021.

Rebuilding the present bridges could be completed with state funds and be finished sooner.

Public Works Director Matt Hammer said a rebuild of the decks of the two present bridges could be expected to extend their life span for up to 30 years.

Another consideration will be the impact on businesses operating on the north end of town. Both gas stations, Zips, and Subway can be expected to be impacted by the project.