Roundabout for County Roads 50, 60 Looms; Information Meeting Tomorrow

An information meeting is set for tomorrow evening regarding the construction of a multi-lane roundabout at one of Lakeville's busiest intersections.

Dakota County and Lakeville officials will discuss the proposed construction of a massive new roundabout at the intersection of Kenwood Trail (County Road 50) and 185th Street West (County Road 60).

From 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, in the Commons area, officials from Dakota County and the city of Lakeville will be answering questions and discussing the project during a public informational meeting.

The project as a whole, according to the county, comes following a study of the intersection that was performed in 2011 where a multi-lane roundabout was selected as the preferred intersection control method to address increasing congestion issues.

"This project will place a strong focus on intersection visibility, lighting, directional signs, and public education on roundabout features and operations," according to the county.

Improvements to the intersection will include the widening of County Highway 50 to Jurel Way to the North, and the widening of County Highway 60 to Orchard Trail to the West.

The project is getting a mixed reaction from readers on Facebook who commented on a story announcing the informational meeting.

"There is far too much traffic at that intersection for a roundabout," wrote Stephanie Matison Freemark wrote on Facebook.

"It is a horrible idea ... that intersection always has super heavy traffic," wrote Wendi Mathias King.

But there are supporters.

Holly Harklerode and Cindi Keller Segna both said it was a "good idea."

For more information about the project, the county and city have created a website: http://www.50and60.com.