Middle School Drive Options

The City of Bemidji has programmed the reconstruction of Middle School Drive NW from the newly constructed roundabout at 23rd Street NW down to 15th Street NW for the 2027 construction season. With the support of KLJ, we’ve been analyzing the corridor to determine the preferred alternative for how we want the road to look when it’s reconstructed.

Review the options for potential access changes and rate each option based on whether you would support or oppose it.

Description
Adds a pedestrian median to improve crossing safety.

Pros of Added Median Pedestrian Refuge
- Maintains full movement in/out of the parking lots
- Pedestrians make 2 stage crossings

Cons of Added Median Pedestrian Refuge
- No improvements to delay
- Pedestrians cross 3 lanes
- Widens the roadway/reduces green space

Description
Creates a 3/4 intersection with median allowing vehicles to take a left turn into the lots, but only a right turn out. Vehicles wanting to take a left out of the lots will take a right to the roundabout and make a U-turn to continue the desired direction. Also has pedestrian median to improve crossing safety.

Pros of 3/4 Access
- Maintains full movement into parking lots
- Decreases delay during dismissal time
- Pedestrians make 2 stage crossings

Cons of 3/4 Access
- Restricts exiting lots to right only
- Some added travel time for those who would take a left out of the lots
- Pedestrians cross 3 lanes
- Widens the roadway/reduces green space

Description
Median is constructed throughout the corridor to create a traffic calming presence. Turning movements at the north lots are restricted to right-in right-out, where vehicles wanting to make a left turn will utilize the roundabouts in order to make their desired movement.

Pros of Right In, Right Out Access
- Decreases delay during dismissal time
- Pedestrians make 2 stage crossings and only cross 2 lanes
- Does not widen roadway/adds potential for aesthetic improvements with natural elements in the median
- Increased curb and gutter adds a traffic calming presence to the corridor
- Lowest crash potential

Cons of Right In, Right Out Access
- Restricts movements to right turns only in/out of the parking lot
- Some added travel time for those who would take a left in/out of the lots