FARGO (KFGO-AM) Fargo City Engineering staff is recommending City Commissioners do not pursue a proposal to improve a frequently flooded low spot on Elm Street between 14th and 15th Avenues North. Commsisioner Dave Piepkorn asked for estimates on a permanent fix of the one block stretch, closed more than 600 times since 2004.
City Engineer April Walker says raising the existing road is not an option because of soil stability issues. But three other options were looked at. That included relocating the road away from the Red River behind a levee, building a bridge over the low spot, or installation of flashing beacons or message boards to direct traffic to alternate routes. One of the options would require acquisition of El Zagel Golf Course, another called for the buyout of 15 homes. Cost estimates range from $20,000 to more than $25 million.
Walker says project impacts outweigh any benefits. About 34 hundred vehicles use the route daily. City Commissioners will take up the issue Monday.