New Roundabout In Waite Park Aims To Reduce Traffic Delays

Federal grant to fund project that aims to ease congestion and cut carbon emissions.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a textured asphalt surface, capturing the raw materials and construction process of a new roundabout intersection through dramatic lighting and abstract patterns.A new roundabout in Waite Park aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions through innovative infrastructure design.Waite Park Today

The City of Waite Park, Minnesota has received a $710,000 federal grant to build a new roundabout at the intersection of 10th Avenue South and First Street South. The project is designed to reduce travel delays and vehicle idling, which will help cut carbon emissions by an estimated 89.7 metric tons per year.

Why it matters

Waite Park is taking proactive steps to improve traffic flow and reduce the environmental impact of vehicles in the community. Roundabouts have been shown to be an effective way to ease congestion and improve safety at busy intersections.

The details

The new roundabout is part of a larger $1.2 million federal grant Waite Park received to fund road improvements on 10th Avenue South. The roundabout is expected to eliminate the need for vehicles to idle while waiting to turn from First Street onto 10th Avenue, which will reduce carbon emissions. The Minnesota Department of Transportation's Office of Sustainability and Public Health estimates the project will cut emissions by nearly 90 metric tons annually.

  • The City of Waite Park received the $710,000 federal grant in April 2026.
  • Construction on the new roundabout is expected to begin later in 2026.

The players

City of Waite Park

The local government entity overseeing the roundabout construction project.

Minnesota Department of Transportation's Office of Sustainability and Public Health

The state agency that estimated the carbon emissions reduction benefits of the new roundabout.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Construction on the new roundabout is expected to begin later in 2026 once the federal grant funds are secured.

The takeaway

Waite Park's investment in a new roundabout demonstrates how infrastructure improvements can simultaneously address traffic congestion and environmental sustainability goals. The project is an example of how local communities can leverage federal funding to implement smart, eco-friendly transportation solutions.