J-Turn at Bel Clare Drive in Waite Park

Funding Requested: $1,200,000

Total Project Cost: $1,500,000

Project Summary: 

This project will improve the safety and reliability of Highway 23 by reconstructing a full-access intersection to a Reduced Conflict Intersection (R-CUT). The existing intersection configuration results in common left-turn and right-angle crashes. The project will reduce conflicts between 30,000 vehicles per day on Highway 23 and large amounts of grain haulers traveling to and from ADM Grain Elevator, directly adjacent to the project. Improvements will also proactively preserve the mobility of the Highway 23 corridor as highly anticipated development, within the project area, continues to occur.

Background Information: 

The funding would be used to reconstruct the intersection of Bel Clare Drive and Highway 23. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it is a low-cost/high-benefit investment that will reduce safety concerns and improve travel time reliability for local residents, particularly Bel Clare Estates mobile home community residents. Additionally, it will preserve the regional mobility of Highway 23 that is important for efficiency, safety, and reliability benefits for existing local freight-related businesses, and those anticipated to develop in this targeted growth area, providing jobs within the rapidly growing St. Cloud metropolitan area.

Relevant Documents: 

• Letters of Support
• Congressman Emmer Financial Disclosure

Estimated Start Date: 06/01/2024

Estimated Completion Date: 10/01/2025

Recipient: Stearns County

Recipient Point of Contact: Jeff Bertram

Recipient Address: 

705 Courthouse Square

St. Cloud, MN 56303