By Carlotta Grandstaff, Bitterrooters for Planning
The Eastside Highway is due for significant repairs in the north valley. That provides an opportunity for citizens to weigh in on two crucial transportation components that may get overlooked in the planning process: non-motorized travel and collisions with wildlife.
The Montana Department of Transportation proposes to widen the Eastside Highway and construct left-turn lanes from the new roundabout at Eightmile Creek Road south to Wildfowl Lane. These repairs are necessary for a road that rates as one of the 10 worst for crashes in Montana.
Unfortunately, due to budgetary costs and limitations, MDOT may not, at this time, add bike paths or wildlife crossings in its design.
Bitterrooters for Planning is working to ensure that bike paths and wildlife crossings will ultimately be included in the final road design.
To that end, BfP will sponsor a public discussion on Eastside Highway improvements on April 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge conference room. This discussion will feature a panel of speakers representing highway engineers, wildlife conservationists, bicyclists and civic organizations.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the 1976 Bikecentennial, and thousands of bicyclists from around the country and the world will be riding through the valley. This anniversary ride is expected to focus attention on the Bitterroot Valley, which will bring even more bicyclists in coming years.
Wildlife crossings are another critical element of transportation design and planning, and are essential for the safety of wildlife and motorists alike.
A bike path along the Eastside Highway near the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, and adequate wildlife crossings make sense for the future, but the planning should begin now.
Please plan on attending and make your voice heard.