Mill Street changes discussed at Jasper Public Works meeting

The Jasper Board of Public Works heard recommendations for changes to Mill Street to accommodate better traffic flow and pedestrian traffic.

City Engineer Chad Hurm informed the board that they are recommending the intersection of Mill and 4th Street be converted to a three-way stop intersection and that the section of Mill Street between 3rd and 6th Streets be reduced to a single lane in the center. This change aims to improve traffic flow and visibility at intersections.

An additional benefit of the lane reduction includes the potential for added parking along Mill Street between 4th and 6th Streets. The committee envisions designated parking stalls on either side of the street.

When questioned about the traffic pattern as drivers approach 6th Street, the Hurm clarified that north of 6th Street, the road would maintain its current two-lane configuration.

The changes appear to be part of a larger vision for the area, with Mayor Dean Vonderheide noting that 4th Street could eventually become a pedestrian corridor.

“One of the thoughts on putting the stop sign there at 4th was that eventually that whole area from the Riverwalk, down 4th Street, over Main, and even continuing on down to Alumni Stadium…being a pedestrian corridor,” Vonderheide said.

The Board of Works will present these recommendations at their next meeting on June 10, which will include a resolution with the basic language for the council to consider, accompanied by a map illustrating the proposed changes.

These recommendations, developed by a committee that includes the police department, street department, and engineering department, will be presented to the city council for final approval.