Safety project coming to 1st N. and Garden St. starting May 1
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NEW ULM -- The Heart of New Ulm's Coalition for Active Safe and Healthy Streets, in partnership with the City of New Ulm, will conduct a summer-long demonstration project at the intersection of 1st North St. and Garden St. Beginning on May 1, 2023, and lasting through mid-October, temporary curb extensions, or "bump outs," will be set up at the intersection of 1st North Street and Garden Street.
The goal of the demonstration project is to help residents in the neighborhood and throughout New Ulm experience how curb extensions help slow traffic and make it safer for all who use Harman Park and walk or bike in the area.
When the curb is extended out into the lane of traffic, it narrows the driving lanes to the minimum 11-ft. width allowed by Minnesota law. This allows someone who wants to cross the street to stand further out, beyond any cars that are parked along the side of the street. Oncoming drivers are able to see the person before they step out into the street to cross the street, and the person also has a shorter distance to cross. Pedestrian refuge islands will also be installed, which help with safety because people only have to cross one direction of traffic at a time.
"We have been concerned about this intersection due to expanded park use and events," said Jen Maurer, facilitator for The Heart of New Ulm's Coalition for Active, Safe and Healthy Streets. "Together with city engineers, the group has been working to find a solution that will help to slow traffic on this busy street and make it safer for everyone to cross the intersection."
If the demonstration project is successful, the Coalition will work with the city to install permanent curb extensions. They would be installed the next time the location is scheduled for major street work, which will significantly reduce the cost.
For the demonstration project, temporary curb extensions will be created using cones and decorative planters. They will result in the approximate loss of two street parking spots. Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help install the curb extensions on Monday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to noon should contact Brie Taralson, New Ulm Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at (507) 276-8724 or btaralson@newulm. k12.mn.us