MSU to improve lighting along University Avenue

In response to students’ security concerns, Minot State University will be installing new, improved lighting along University Avenue. Currently, there are only four 150-watt lights mounted on telephone poles between 8th Street N.W. and Broadway. Fourteen new 250-watt lights will be installed and placed 150 feet apart.

"Students have expressed concern in the past about not being seen by drivers on the dark avenue," said Dick Jenkins, vice president of student affairs. "The new lights will provide a dramatic difference."

Jared Edwards, director of plant services, said the new lighting exceeds applicable industry and city codes. The lights on University Avenue will match the ones that will be installed on North Broadway. This will provide a uniform appearance and a consistent southeast edge to the campus.

MSU will be removing 36 trees and replacing them with 39 in order to install the lighting. Otherwise, the new lights could not be set uniformly or at the proper distance mandated by city code.

"We very much regret having to remove the trees and explored every possibility of moving them to another part of campus," said Edwards. "Unfortunately, because of the type, size and age of the trees, this is not feasible."

In addition to the lighting, stamped and colored concrete will be placed on the boulevard and ornamental iron grates will encircle the new trees.

"The overall appearance of this part of the campus will be vastly improved," Edwards said. "This project is one step in the image initiatives contained in the Campus Master Plan. It also indicates our partnership with the City of Minot in its redevelopment efforts."

MSU plans to begin the project soon so that the avenue is ready for the installation of the lights when they arrive.

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