Freeborn County commissioners on Tuesday approved spending up to $300,000 to redesign the intersection just north of a proposed Kwik Trip development.

The intersection, which is separate from the controversial access point at the south end of the Kwik Trip property, has no traffic signals or right turn lanes.

Early talks have discussed redeveloping the intersection to include traffic signals and potentially a turn lane from Bridge Avenue west onto Sykes Street.

Having the traffic light at the intersection would allow semis coming out of the development to make easier turns from Sykes Street onto Bridge Avenue. There has been concern, however, that the traffic light is too close to the new access granted by the county on the south end of Kwik Trip’s property.

County Administrator John Kluever said county and city officials met Friday to discuss the project, along with a Kwik Trip representative.

Kluever said Kwik Trip stated in a letter at the end of December that it will commit to one-third of the cost of the intersection, or up to $300,000. It also will complete a traffic study.

It is unclear if the city will contribute.

Commissioner Chris Shoff encouraged the board to remember to look at how the intersection will affect the entire Bridge Avenue corridor and not simply make changes on a whim for one business.

Kwik Trip officials announced plans to build a $5 million gas station at the site in October 2011, at that time with plans to open in 2012. However, plans slowed after the company requested the new access point from Bridge Avenue into the south end of the property. The turn lane would be used solely by semis coming off Interstate 90. Drivers would have to pass over the existing frontage road to reach the gas station parking lot.

City officials are expected to continue discussion about whether to vacate the frontage road at their Monday meeting.