With city administration getting an earful from Bismarck residents weighing in on a signing change at the corner of Century Avenue and Tyler Parkway, Bismarck city commissioners have decided to study the issue with the intention of eventually putting in traffic signals.

Traffic numbers show about 8,000 vehicles passing through the intersection use Century each day, while Tyler Parkway sees about 3,200 vehicles. Before the change, those traveling Century had to stop when reaching the intersection, while Tyler Parkway motorists enjoyed through traffic.

City engineering determined with the creation of the Pinehurst Square area, traffic on Century will likely grow by 2,000 vehicles each day. Logic dictated allowing Century traffic to move through the intersection freely, while Tyler Parkway traffic would have the stop. The change was made before any of the Pinehurst stores opened with hopes drivers would become accustomed to the new flow before the number of vehicles increases.

On Tuesday, traffic engineer Mark Berg reported on the situation at the Century-Tyler Parkway intersection, along with situations at Divide Avenue and 26th Street, and at Thayer Avenue and 24th Street.

Commissioner Connie Sprynczynatyk said she had made an effort to observe the traffic patterns at the Century-Tyler Parkway intersection at different times of the day. She suggested the city employ the Advance Traffic Analysis Center available through the state's Department of Transportation to collect data on the traffic before putting in a traffic signal.

Berg said numbers at the intersection did not yet warrant a signal under NDDOT standards, but likely would in the future.

Mayor John Warford said most of the calls he's fielded from the public warn that the intersection is dangerous and should have a lighted traffic signal.

"We should ask the NDDOT to put a signal in from the standpoint the intersection is dangerous and confusing for citizens,"Warford said.

Commissioner Dave Jensen made a motion to install temporary lights at the intersection and ask the state and federal governments to look at the necessity for a permanent signal. The motion died for lack of a second.

Berg said he was not aware of the availability of a temporary signal, which would cost the city about $80,000 as compared to a permanent system, which is estimated at $180,000 and would take up to six months to install. If the city could prove the intersection warrants a light under state guidelines, most of the cost would be paid by the state.

Commissioner Sandi Tabor made a motion to request the use of the ATAC system and to reduce the speed limit on Century from 35 mph to 25 mph near the intersection. Sprynczynatyk, who seconded the motion, also suggested some advance warning be put in that a stop sign was imminent. The motion passed, with the commission planning to revisit the issue later.

Berg reported that studies of the intersection at Divide Avenue and 26th Street showed it warranted traffic signals, and the commission approved a motion that they be installed. Berg will make a request to the NDDOT that the city be allowed to use Urban Road funds to pay for the signals.

The commission also approved a motion relating to the intersection of Thayer Avenue and 24th Street. The yield signs currently at the intersection on Thayer will be changed to stop signs.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)