East St. Germain Street Reconfiguration Approved by City Council

(KNSI) – At Monday’s meeting, the St. Cloud City Council unanimously approved reconfiguring East St. Germain Street to a three-lane road with parking between Veterans Bridge and the railroad tracks near Iron Street Distillery.

Mayor Dave Kleis says the Downtown Summit last December was the first step in making the change. This year provided two more catalysts. “And then, of course, construction on Highway 10 and 23 and Wilson. It gave an opportunity to look at ‘okay, you’re doing some reconfiguration.’ Maybe with that reconfiguration, let’s take a look and see — and some people bought some buildings that were vacant for a while, too.”

During a public hearing, three area business owners spoke in favor of the concept. No one commented against it. Repainting and new traffic lights will be required. The total estimated cost of the project is $75,000.

Kleis says the goal is to have it done this fall, but there are some hurdles to clear for that timeline. “Striping is not the big issue. It’s the traffic light because you have to reconfigure where the light is for the right turn [and] left turn lanes in there. So, that’s the only thing that may delay it into the spring. I hope not.”

Kleis says traffic signal work has been backlogged for most of the year, but sometimes, as the season winds down, you can find crews available immediately.

___