The full picture · 2 sources

Bismarck tests stop signs instead of a traffic signal at Fifth Street and Front Avenue

Updated Nov 2, 10:37 PM CT. Every fact below links to the source that reported it.

What the primary sources show

Starting Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the intersection of Fifth Street and Front Avenue switches from a traffic signal to stop signs for a trial lasting several months. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
The city's traffic engineer, Chris Holzer, said the signal was installed in 1978 and has run well past the typical 30 to 40 year lifespan for this equipment. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
Traffic volume at the intersection does not meet federal criteria for a traffic signal, according to city engineers. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
A city study found that stop signs could mean shorter lines and less wait time than the current signal. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
A road construction project planned for 2027 will affect Front Avenue and 5th Street, and the city must then either replace the signal or remove it permanently. The permanent decision on the intersection will be made as part of that project. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
During the trial, the Engineering Department will review crashes in the trial area and watch traffic after trains pass the crossing just north of the intersection, working with BNSF Railroad. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
If southbound cars back up from Front Avenue onto the railroad tracks, the city will consider other options, such as free flowing north and south traffic with stop signs only on east and west traffic. [Bismarck Source]

How many months will the trial run, and when will it end?
What would trigger the city to adopt one of the fallback options, and which option would it choose?
What will it cost to replace or remove the signal, and what will the 2027 road project cost?

KFYR-TV: Framed the change as a test drivers may notice, citing the aging 1978 signal, federal volume criteria and the 2027 road project, and said the city would coordinate with BNSF to prevent backups onto the tracks, where S2 describes observation with fallback options only if backups occur. Read it → · Ads
Bismarck Source: Added the official start date of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the typical 30 to 40 year signal lifespan from Traffic Engineer Chris Holzer, and the fallback options the city would consider if southbound cars back up onto the tracks. Read it →

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