Road work on the conversion of downtown one-way streets to two-way streets in the areas between 4th and 6th Streets and Thayer and Broadway Avenues is scheduled to begin this weekend during non-peak traffic times.
On Sunday, July 30, Mariner Construction will begin the removal of pavement markings on the roadway and in parking areas to accommodate the change in traffic flow.
On Monday, July 31, at 4:00 a.m. Mariner Construction and City Public Works crews will begin striping the roadway, parking lanes and the placement of updated signage for two-way traffic.
Traffic signals at Fifth Street and Broadway Avenue and at Fifth Street and Thayer Avenue will be shut off, the signal heads covered, and four-way stop signs installed.
The exit from the Sixth Street and Thayer Avenue parking ramp will change. Those who park there are reminded to be aware that vehicles exiting the ramp from the right exit lane of the parking ramp must make a right turn and proceed east on Thayer Avenue. Vehicles exiting from the left exit lane of the parking ramp must make a left turn and proceed west.
We ask for your patience during the conversion process and ask vehicle operators to take extra care as vehicle operators, cyclists, and pedestrians learn to navigate the new traffic patterns, signage, and four-way stops.
The 2013 Downtown Bismarck Sub Area Plan recommended the removal of the one-way traffic system to address the changing needs of the dynamic downtown area that includes retail establishments, outdoor dining, quiet rail, walking, biking, public gathering spaces, and opportunities for downtown living. Benefits of the two-way lane conversion include: reduced travel speeds, improved traffic circulation, improved vehicular access to the downtown area, improved livability for residents, and access to business establishments.