The City of Thief River Falls is very active in long range planning. Several projects that will improve the transportation system for a major expansion of Digi-Key are already scheduled to be completed. Those projects are as follows.
Reconstruction of Highways 1 & 59 from Brooks Avenue to Highway 1
This project includes reconstructing the highway to an urban section with a 10 ft. wide multi-use trail. A roundabout will be constructed at the intersection adjacent to Petro Pumper. Roundabouts will be studied for the intersections of Brooks Avenue and Barzen Avenue. County Ditch 70 that runs along the west side of Barzen Avenue to Greenwood Street is being studied for a relocation to the west side of County state Aid Highway No. 16 along with the possibility of a new outlet. This project is currently in the State Transportation Plan with funding programmed for 2020 construction.
Intersection Control (Roundabout or Traffic Signal) at Greenwood Street and Highway 59 SE
This project includes an intersection control study to determine the best form of control. This project will likely be managed by The Minnesota Department of Transportation and is tentatively scheduled for 2018.
Red Lake River Bridge
This project includes the construction of a bridge over the Red Lake River on Mark Boulevard which aligns with County State Aid Highway No. 16 that will be the direct access for the Digi-Key expansion. This bridge will be constructed by Pennington County and is on their five year construction plan. They would also construct Mark Boulevard east of the bridge to Pennington Avenue. This will make a direct 10 ton route connection from Digi-Key to the Airport Road and to Highway 59 SE. The road segment from Highway 32 to the river was constructed to a 10 ton standard by the city in 2016. Intersection control will likely follow at Highway 32 and Mark Boulevard shortly after the bridge is completed.
First Street West Extension
This project includes water, sewer and street construction to extend First Street West from Ruby Avenue to County State Aid Highway No. 16. This project will facilitate further development of the Noper property for housing and allow another location for traffic disbursement from Digi-Key and Arctic Cat. This project is currently under review by the Minnesota Legislature for inclusion in a bonding bill.
Barzen Avenue Lighting
The City of Thief River Falls has programmed street lighting along Barzen Avenue from First Street to Greenwood Street for 2017 construction. This roadway is currently not lighted, so this project would enhance pedestrian and motor vehicle safety. A trail along this route is currently being explored for construction in the near future.
