MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Traffic lights are expensive and can be annoying. Both facts have led to most of the traffic lights on Mitchell’s Main Street being removed over the years with only the signals at 1st and Main and 7th and Main remaining. At the Mitchell City Council meeting on April 15, 2024, replacing the traffic lights at the intersection of 7th and Main was a hot topic.
Traffic counts show that 5145 vehicles travel south on Main from 7th Street and 3500 travel north with 7th Street east and west being a frequented thoroughfare. The numbers justify a traffic light, according to transportation tables. The City of Mitchell budgeted $565,000 for the replacement of traffic signals at that intersection. Consulting engineers estimated the cost of the project to be $446,002.15. The only bid was from Big Al’s Construction out of Sioux Falls for $544, 494.52. While the bid was under budget, it was 19% more than the engineer’s estimates which caused some comment and consternation among members of the Mitchell City Council.
Councilman Kevin McCardle questioned the need for lights at all and suggested installing four way stop signs, like those that dot the majority of Main Street. Councilman Marty Barrington disagreed citing the Corn Palace and concerns for pedestrian right-of-way and safety. Council member Susan Tjarks agreed, pointing out that at times both the Area Community Theater and the Corn Palace, which are located across the street from each other, have events simultaneously. Mitchell Police Chief Mike Koster also voiced concerns about pedestrian safety.
The Council took a roll call vote on the issue with Council members Barrington, Sabers, Smith and Tjarks voting in favor while Councilmen Bathke, Doescher, Goldammer and McCardle voted against the expenditure. Since it was a financial matter, the mayor was ineligible to cast a tie breaking vote and since it did not receive a majority the bid to replace the traffic lights at 7th and Main was defeated.