City To Modify Fifth & Main Street Intersection

RAPID CITY--Changes in traffic flow are coming soon to the intersection of Fifth Street and Main Street in Rapid City.

            Persistent problems with traffic safety at the intersection has prompted the change, which will include converting the northbound approach of Fifth Street at Main Street to two left turn lanes and two thru lanes from the current layout of a left turn lane, shared thru/left turn lane, thru lane and parking lane.   

                The parking spaces along Fifth Street north of St. Joseph Street and extending towards the railroad tracks at Nikko Street will be removed to facilitate smooth transition for northbound thru traffic around the turn lanes. Changes with the intersection's signal timing will also be implemented.

            In a September 1 letter to the City's Public Works Committee and the City Council, City Traffic Engineer Steve Frooman expects to make the changes this fall.  The item is on Tuesday's Public Works agenda for information only and the changes do not need Committee or Council approval.

            The Rapid City Police Department indicates the Fifth Street and Main Street intersection was the highest crash location in Rapid City in 2014 and was the seventh highest crash intersection in 2015.