by Jeanine New, Hamilton
I attended the open house today at Stevensville High School Library and want to document some questions, opinions, and concerns that surfaced during discussions. Feedback was submitted today to MDT public relations.
In my opinion, this project warrants more discussion and thoughtful input about costs and an amended timeline for implementation in 2026. Implementation changes will decrease the chance of not completing the project in one season, and ensure we have adequate answers to the questions below:
1. How was the overall data pulled from the national database related to roundabout safety: a) was the data pulled from other projects of like size and located on a federal/state highway, and b) was the traffic flow at similar levels to what is currently being experienced in this location? c) was general aggregated data used that would conflate the reduction of accidents by using small locations with low volume (oranges) alongside mid to high volume traffic (apples)? As an interested party, I would love to see an apples to apples comparison only on Federal highways of like size and volume.
2. What other roundabout projects have been implemented on Federal highways that might compare with the scope of this project? (within and outside of Montana). Please provide at least 10 nationwide examples of this in a comparison grid and correlate to the accident data for those locations. I am surprised a roundabout would ever be located on a highway.
3. Why did public input occur after the decision to build a roundabout was made? Most instances require a study, public input and budget outlines first. This meeting/project seems to be backward, and pre-decided to be a roundabout location.
4. Currently there is no side by side comparison of costs that can be viewed by our community. Calculate: a) All costs associated with turning the present location into a stop light location. Include land acquisition and costs of materials, manpower, management, and forecast the 30 years future cost of upkeep, outline grants that may be available for infrastructure improvements from Federal/State sources and total the amount of Federal money that will be applied. b) Compare the costs of constructing a roundabout side by side in this location with land acquisition, materials, labor, and a forecast of 30 years future cost of upkeep.
5. Who are the proposed land owners that will be approached? Are they willing to sell the land, or might this involve eminent domain?
6. What will happen to the land already owned by the state but may become unused in the re-positioning of the roundabout when compared to the highway location today?
7. Why is the new footprint of the proposed roundabout so different than the present layout?
8. How in the world can a project of this size be kicked off in 2025 when land has not been purchased yet, and an appropriate project plan is non existent? Why is this project being set up for failure, without proper vetting of costs and change management? Most projects of this size require engineering plans, road samples/drilling, bids, and forecasts for materials and support (people and equipment). The timeline proposed at the meeting today does not seem relevant/possible.
9. What safety features are being engineered into the project to assist emergency personnel when they need to shut down the roundabout because of accidents? An education program that addresses the proper way to use the roundabout as an additional safety aspect of this approach would be important.
10. Road Signs and Directions – what options will be put in place for appropriate signage and directions for drivers about a) right of way, b) speed before the approach, during the roundabout drive, and exit from the roundabout?
There are many other locations such as Skalkaho highway, Woodside Cutoff, Lolo and other locations on 93 that are just as busy and may have as many or more accidents. Are there plans for roundabouts at those locations as well?
I appreciate the goal of using our taxpayer money well, however in talking with several of the 10+ MDT employees in the room none of them had the details behind the data used for comparisons… looking forward to seeing a detailed side by side comparison of costs before a final decision about building the right solution at this location is made.