MnDOT looking to replace two remaining traffic signals in Ely
Ely’s two remaining stoplights may eventually be replaced by mini-roundabouts.
That’s what state transportation officials are recommending after studying traffic counts, crash data and other information, although there’s currently no timeline in place - or funding - to make the conversion.
And in advance of any changes, four-way stops will be tested at the intersections on Sheridan Street with Central Avenue and Third Avenue East, the location of both existing traffic signals, both this winter and again in the summer of 2026.
The recommendations were explained to a largely skeptical audience of about 60 people Monday night, during a public forum hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation at Ely’s City Hall.
Mayor Heidi Omerza noted the disappointment with the recommendation during city council discussion the following evening, saying “people are very passionate and emotional about intersections in Ely,” while also noting “nothing will be changing any time soon.”
Former mayor Ross Petersen, meanwhile, was among those to voice his displeasure to MnDOT representatives during the meeting.
“I don’t see a reason for it (and) I wish you guys would back off,” said Petersen. “Some of us who aren’t able to sprint across the street kind of like the light. People are going to slow down to 10 miles per hour to go through (the roundabout)? I don’t think so. I just don’t know that it fits with our town.”
The recommendation came because the traffic signals, which are better than 40 years old, have reached the end of their useful life.
MnDOT in turn conducted an intersection control evaluation, studying options and ultimately recommending to “replace the two signal systems with mini roundabouts.”
According to MnDOT, the roundabouts are preferred because they:
• Are the safest form of traffic control for all users;
• Create the least amount of delay for all users;
• Reduce vehicle speeds in the downtown area; 11/5/2025
• Provide U-turn opportunity for those looking for parking;
• Easily and efficiently handles large fluctuations in traffic including seasonal changes and special events.
Monday’s meeting was the latest step in a process that began two years ago with data collection including traffic counts, and a subsequent meeting to gain public feedback in 2024.
Christian Lawien, assistant traffic engineer for MnDOT District 1, outlined the steps and review that led to the recommendation, but cautioned that no changes were imminent.
“In the future we would be looking at implementing these recommendations, however there isn’t a schedule at this point,” said Lawien. “Even though we don’t have a project coming up, we want to determine what we could do if those signals become inoperable.”
With the study, MnDOT intended to evaluate both existing and future conditions, make recommendations and incorporate intersection controls that increase safety while providing a sufficient level of service, and to eventually determine costs and obtain project funding.
Four alternatives were studied, including replacing the current stop lights, incorporate either two or four-way stops, or install mini-roundabouts.
Considerations include traffic counts and flow, crash information, safety and cost.
MnDOT determined that there was no warrant for traffic signals at the Third Avenue intersection, and nothing currently for Central Avenue, although in some future scenarios a warrant was met.
“The recommendation is mini-roundabouts,” said Lawien. “I know we heard a lot in the last public meeting about not wanting that option. But it is based on everybody’s comments about safety and it actually is the
mndot.gov
recommended solution. It is the safest form of traffic control.”
It also is more economical, given estimates that replacing stop lights comes with a cost of about $1.1 million each, compared to about $500,000 each for mini-roundabouts.
Those numbers are expected to climb, given inflation and no current plans to implement the recommendations.
Lawien also attempted to counter concerns that mini-roundabouts would be unsafe or lead to lengthy traffic delays, or create difficulties for large vehicles such as busses or semis.
“It amounts to the least amount of delay for all users,” he said.
He also touted the safety benefits and said, “When people are trying to beat traffic lights they’re usually on the gas.”
Lawien also contends that roundabouts can “handle significant variations in traffic,” citing Ely’s major events
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including the Blueberry/Art Festival.
Over 70 of these intersections are in place across the state and compared to intersections with traffic signals, they reduce fatalities up to 86 percent.
“They calm traffic, they reduce speed, they eliminate unnecessary stops,” said Lawien.
The four-way stops will be tested twice during the next year, and MnDOT officials say typically that conversion to a roundabout would come from three-to-five years after funding is acquired.
Despite the sales pitch, many in the audience applauded when state officials said the conversion won’t happen anytime soon.
Petersen told MnDOT to expect pushback.
“I see us going to the council to get a motion against it,” he said. “I see us going to the county to get a motion against it. It just doesn’t fit with our community.”
