The full picture · 2 sources

Bismarck to test four-way stop at Fifth and Front Avenue intersection

Updated Nov 2, 9:40 AM CT. Every fact below links to the source that reported it.

What the primary sources show

The traffic signal was installed in 1978 and has exceeded its expected lifespan of 30 to 40 years. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
Traffic volume at the intersection does not meet federal criteria required for a traffic signal, according to city engineers. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
A city study found that a four-way stop would produce shorter wait times and reduced vehicle backups compared to the current signal. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
The trial will last several months and is timed before the city's planned road construction project in 2027. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
During the trial, the city will monitor crash data and coordinate with BNSF Railroad to prevent vehicles from backing up onto nearby railroad tracks. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
The permanent decision on the intersection will be made as part of next year's road project. [KFYR-TV]

What will be the cost of replacing or removing the traffic signal?
What are the exact start and end dates for the 2027 road construction project?
What specific metrics will the city use to determine whether the four-way stop trial was successful?

KFYR-TV: KFYR-TV framed the test as part of the city's response to aging infrastructure requiring replacement or removal ahead of scheduled road construction. Read it → · Ads
Bismarck Source: Bismarck Source provided technical detail from Traffic Engineer Chris Holzer about the study results and identified the potential for southbound backup onto railroad tracks as a key monitoring concern. Read it →

701 News writes these summaries from the sources above and checks every sentence against them. Read the originals for the full reporting. Corrections