Spencer, IA (KICD)– The City of Spencer is hoping to make some progress on a design agreement for the junction of Highways 18 and 71 north of town in coming weeks.

The discussion began earlier this year when the Iowa Department of Transportation released the results of a traffic study that was requested following a number of crashes at the intersection which is when a roundabout was suggested as a possible solution.

City Manager Dan Gifford told the City Council on Monday at this point it appears there appears to be two options with the second one, in his opinion being tougher on future development and that is the idea that has to be sold to the Clay County Board of Supervisors.

Gifford further asked the council if the DOT should be involved in the initial meeting between governing entities to which Councilman Ron Hanson responded it would make the most sense to only have two parties meet right now.

Engineers are also working on initial addition infrastructure on a piece of land recently acquired by the city on the southeast side of the intersection with Jim Thiesse noting the biggest challenge right now is drainage.