It is known as the most studied intersection in the city of Sioux Falls.  The location is 10th and Cleveland.  Why is this spot so sore for drivers and the Public Works Department?  It confounds mainly due to the other thoroughfares around it.

To the west of this junction, you have an interchange with I-229.  A lot of cars come off at this place and get held up during peak traffic times.  10th Street itself gets a fair amount of traffic as one of the main arteries that move traffic in and out of downtown plus it is a gateway to the eastern part of the city.

Thus when cars are plentiful, it is nearly impossible to turn left on westbound 10th Street to go south on Cleveland.  There is no green arrow signal that allows a free pass in front of the oncoming traffic.  Drivers want that luxury at 10th and Cleveland, but they are not going to get it.  Principal Traffic Engineer Heath Hoftiezer says multiple studies have shown that if a turn like that is allowed, traffic will become more congested on I-229.  Due to the speeds on the controlled access highway, a line of cars on the shoulder would be a recipe for disaster.


Hoftiezer Says No Green Arrow At 10th & Cleveland:


One of the other snarls that has an easier fix is the Cliff Avenue/I-229/41st Street configuration.  Hoftiezer says some minor adjustments can be made to the signal.  The main reason for the congestion is that people that come off I-229 do not stay in their own lane when turning left to go south on Cliff Avenue.  The next step is to mark the area for drivers to turn with a solid white line.  If that doesn’t help, the next step is to station an officer in that location to bust those who make an illegal lane change.


Hoftiezer Talks About Changes To Cliff Avenue/I-229/41st Street Combo:


Another upgrade that will take a major shift is 26th Street and I-229.  The interchange itself could eventually be changed.  Plus there is the issue of the Big Sioux River and the adjoining railroad tracks.  There is still a study being done on this series of streets.  Hoftiezer says most likely more findings will be released in the fall of 2013 or the spring of 2014.

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