Public Comment Summary

Summary of Comments
(last updated April 15, 2020)

 

The following comments were received through means of Open House #1, Social Pinpoint online map and comment forum, email or other correspondence, stakeholder interviews, and focus group surveys of East Missoula businesses and bike/pedestrian interests.

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Key Issues (numbering does not reflect a priority order)

  1. Railroad/I-90 underpass

  2. Highway 200 through East Missoula

  3. ShaRon river access site

  4. East of Van Buren intersection -- area of merging lanes and turning movements

  5. Need for safe bike/ped options 

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1. Railroad/I-90 Underpass

Concerns:

  • Tunnel too narrow for bike/ped user safety

  • I-90 on/off ramps -- safety issues for vehicle turns; poor sight visibility

  • No bike lanes, sidewalk, or other non-motorized infrastructure

  • Dark in tunnel

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2. Highway 200 through East Missoula

Concerns:

  • Road and access points are confusing and unsafe with angled streets, parking areas that are not separated from the road, and lack of lighting

  • No bike lanes, sidewalks, or designated pedestrian crossings

  • Frustration that despite previous studies and planning efforts, there has been little to no change

  • Desire to keep East Missoula separate from Missoula

  • Interest in corridor looking like a small town downtown area

  • Need to accommodate existing highway service businesses and freight

  • Safety as fire trucks enter highway from East Missoula station

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3. ShaRon River Access

Concerns:

  • Congestion and safety when river season is in full swing

  • Parking issues at access site and along highway

  • Sanitation -- need for restroom access

  • No bike/ped infrastructure or safe access

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4. East of Van Buren Intersection

Concerns:

  • Busy intersection not safe for bike/ped users

  • Safety issues with left turns to north side of East Broadway

  • Access to Eastgate Shopping Center congested and unsafe

  • Merging lanes confusing and unsafe

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5. Need for Safe Bike/Ped Options

Concerns:

  • Little to no non-motorized infrastructure corridor-wide

  • Poorly lit roadways/lack of visibility around turns

  • No safe crossings

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