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.
Key Issues (numbering does not reflect a priority order)
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Railroad/I-90 underpass
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Highway 200 through East Missoula
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ShaRon river access site
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East of Van Buren intersection -- area of merging lanes and turning movements
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Need for safe bike/ped options
1. Railroad/I-90 Underpass
Concerns:
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Tunnel too narrow for bike/ped user safety
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I-90 on/off ramps -- safety issues for vehicle turns; poor sight visibility
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No bike lanes, sidewalk, or other non-motorized infrastructure
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Dark in tunnel
2. Highway 200 through East Missoula
Concerns:
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Road and access points are confusing and unsafe with angled streets, parking areas that are not separated from the road, and lack of lighting
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No bike lanes, sidewalks, or designated pedestrian crossings
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Frustration that despite previous studies and planning efforts, there has been little to no change
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Desire to keep East Missoula separate from Missoula
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Interest in corridor looking like a small town downtown area
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Need to accommodate existing highway service businesses and freight
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Safety as fire trucks enter highway from East Missoula station
3. ShaRon River Access
Concerns:
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Congestion and safety when river season is in full swing
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Parking issues at access site and along highway
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Sanitation -- need for restroom access
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No bike/ped infrastructure or safe access
4. East of Van Buren Intersection
Concerns:
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Busy intersection not safe for bike/ped users
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Safety issues with left turns to north side of East Broadway
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Access to Eastgate Shopping Center congested and unsafe
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Merging lanes confusing and unsafe
5. Need for Safe Bike/Ped Options
Concerns:
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Little to no non-motorized infrastructure corridor-wide
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Poorly lit roadways/lack of visibility around turns
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No safe crossings
