Virtual open house addresses Clearwater Junction issues

GREENOUGH - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and engineering firm Robert Peccia & Associates gathered public input during two virtual open houses Wednesday, June 16. The two entities are trying to look at reconfiguration options for the intersection of Highway 200 and Highway 83 also known as Clearwater Junction.

Part of what triggered the request for change was a number of accidents occurring in the area. The purpose of the change is to address accidents and improve overall traffic flow.

Between 2003 and 2019, 35 crashes were reported at this intersection by the Montana Highway Patrol. Of these crashes, 22 were minor fender benders, 12 resulted in injuries and 1 resulted in a fatality.

According to the presentation, traffic at the intersection has grown 2.11% per year over the last five years. By 2045 summer months could yield as many as 12,000 vehicles every day.

According to the press release, in addition to local traffic, Clearwater Junction serves as a connection point for commuters from Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, the Flathead Valley and several small towns in between. It is also home to the busiest watercraft inspection station in the state from May - October.

Before they decide on a final solution, the project team must first study the feasibility of all potential improvement options. They hope to use a “comprehensive and data-driven analysis process” to evaluate a range of intersection improvement options.

This process includes assessing cost, funding sources, timing as well as benefits and impact. The preliminary phase of the project is currently scheduled to be completed this fall. A final design and construction schedule will be determined following the analysis. At this time the estimated cost of the project is unknown.

During the virtual open house, the attendees were asked what their concerns about the intersection were and how frequently they visited the area. In the first session, responders said that their main concerns were high traffic volumes as well as access in and out of the boat check, weigh station, rest area and convenience store.

For more information about the project visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/clearwater/default.shtml. Public input is still being accepted. Please contact Kristine Fife, Big Sky Public Relations account executive, at 406-475-5651 or kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com or Robert Peccia & Associates Project Manager April Gerth at 406-447-5000 or agerth@rpa-hln.com.

 

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