The full picture · 2 sources
City tests all way stop at Fifth Street and Front Avenue in place of traffic signal
Updated Nov 3, 10:38 PM CT. Every fact below links to the source that reported it.
What the primary sources show
- The City of Bismarck is testing an all way stop in place of the traffic signal at Fifth Street and Front Avenue for several months. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
- The trial was set to begin Tuesday, October 27, 2026. [Bismarck Source]
- The signal was installed in 1978. City Traffic Engineer Chris Holzer said signals of this type typically last 30 to 40 years, so this one is past its expected life. [KFYR-TV] [Bismarck Source]
- Because of a road project planned for 2027, the city must either replace the signal or remove it. Permanent changes to Front Avenue and 5th Street are part of that project. [Bismarck Source] [KFYR-TV]
- Holzer said current traffic volume does not meet federal criteria for a signal. A city study found an all way stop would mean shorter lines and less wait time for drivers. [Bismarck Source] [KFYR-TV]
- During the trial, the Engineering Department will review crashes in the trial zone. It will also work with BNSF Railroad to watch for southbound vehicles backing up onto the tracks just north of the intersection. [Bismarck Source] [KFYR-TV]
- If backups occur, the city will consider other options. One option is free flowing north south traffic, with stop signs controlling only east west traffic. [Bismarck Source]
What they left out / still unanswered
- Did the trial start on October 27, 2026 as planned? Neither source confirms it began.
- When will the trial end, and when will the city announce its permanent decision for the intersection?
- What will the city do if southbound backups onto the railroad tracks are observed during the trial?
Official line vs. how each source framed it
- KFYR-TV: KFYR framed it as a change drivers may see, noting the signal is past its expected lifespan and that the permanent decision will come with next year's road project. It gave no trial start date and did not cite the 30 to 40 year figure. Read it → · Ads
- Bismarck Source: Bismarck Source relayed the city's News Flash and Traffic Engineer Chris Holzer's statements, adding the October 27, 2026 start date, the 30 to 40 year typical signal life, the study findings, and the stop sign fallback if railroad backups occur. 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