County Leaders cut the ribbon on the Fir/Friberg Avenue roundabout. Front row left to right: Bob Ehlert, County Engineering Supervisor; Stephanie Grow, YMCA Operations Director; Patrick Holister, Active Living Planner for Partnership4Health; Commissioner Kurt Morntenson; Commissioner Wayne Johnson; Sen. Jordan Rasmusson; Commissioner Sean Sullivan; County Engineer Jodi Teich; Fergus Falls Mayor Anthony Hicks; Commissioner Dan Bucholz. Second row left to right: Rick West, former county engineer; Emily Stawarki, YMCA Marketing Director; Kyle Meyer, City of Fergus Falls Engineer; Jed Nordin of Moore Engineering; John Brunkhorst of Stonebrook; Colby Palmersheim, Highway Maintenance Superintendent. (Derek Sidian, KBRF News)
Fergus Falls, MN – Despite the rain, Otter Tail County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Fir and Friberg Avenue roundabout on Tuesday afternoon (October 14).
The roundabout, located near the YMCA, replaces a traditional intersection that had been experiencing issues due to increasing traffic volumes. The project also includes a new pedestrian trail connection along the north side of Fir Avenue to County Road 111.
State Senator Jordan Rasmusson says it’s great to see the roundabout up and running, “It’s made this a safer intersection and easier for our area residents to get to and from their homes, to work, to school. I’m really excited to see it up and running and I’ve heard nothing but good feedback.
County officials expressed appreciation to area residents and businesses who navigated detours and delays throughout the construction season.
“The patience and understanding shown by residents living near this intersection and those who regularly travel through this area made this project possible,” shared County Highway Engineer Jodi Teich. “We know construction is never convenient, but the cooperation we received from the community was appreciated. This roundabout will improve safety and traffic flow for years to come.”
“This roundabout represents a significant investment in public safety and our transportation infrastructure,” County Commissioner Sean Sullivan said. “We are grateful to our state partners, Sen. Rasmusson, our residents and the city of Fergus Falls for their collaboration in making this critical improvement a reality.”
Businesses near the intersection, including the Fergus Falls YMCA, remained accessible throughout construction, though access points shifted as work progressed.
“Through partnership with Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County leaders, I was happy to support the $790,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant for the Friberg and Fir Avenue roundabout,” said Senator Rasmusson. “As our community grows and local infrastructure ages, we need to update our infrastructure and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.”
Patrick Hollister, Active Living Planner for Partnership4Health, will lead a Roundabout Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Tour on Thursday, October 30, at 5:00 p.m.
The public is welcome to join the tour in the Fergus Falls YMCA parking lot. Participants are encouraged to bring their bikes and bike helmets but are welcome without them. The group will walk or bike to the roundabout and practice crossing the roundabout on foot and by bike. The hands-on tour is designed to help pedestrians and cyclists navigate the new infrastructure safely and confidently.
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