MDT is taking comments on improvements for the Eastside Highway, MT 203, and needs your comments by October 25, 2014. Submit comments to www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml or mail them to Shane Stack, Missoula District Preconstruction Engineer, MDT Missoula District Office, PO Box 7039, Missoula, Montana 59807-7039. Be sure to mention that your comments are regarding project: STPS 203-1(15)4
See the Project Overview and other documents at the MDT website. At present, the design includes 2 travel lanes with a middle turn lane. An additional aspect of the project is the re-curving of Ambrose and two Eastside Intersections. This 2015 project will connect with the recently completed new section from Florence to Hidden Valley Road which includes a separated bike pedestrian pathway. This latest project STPS 203-1(15)4 does not include continuing the separated pathway.
BWAM members need to advocate for a separated pathway for the following reasons:
- Increased biking and walking through the corridor because of increased development of sub-divisions.
- Increase biking and walking use by children and teenagers, as well as adults.
- Used as an alternative route by bicycle tourists who would like to avoid US 93.
- Sixty (60) mile an hour speeds throughout the corridor.
- There have been crashes between cyclists and cars.
There is also a need to advocate for an animal crossing in the area around the old Knucklehead’s Bar B-Q. The gully already has access on one side but due to the lack of access on the other side there is a high fatality rate for deer in the area.
The final issue is a viewing site above the ponds at Lee Metcalf Game Refuge. Folks already pull off to the side of the road increasing the possibility of a crash.
Feel free to use the above points and add your personal experiences with this section of the Eastside Highway in comments you submit to MDT.