City to Host Virtual Meeting on Pedestrian Crossings Project
Published on March 12, 2024
Helena, Mont. – The City of Helena will host a virtual public meeting on March 21 to discuss pedestrian crossing improvements to support non-motorized access and connectivity, particularly to Centennial Trail. The crossing improvements are proposed at two locations, one along Lyndale Avenue and a second along Montana Avenue. The proposals will be presented at the meeting and participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Register: https://bit.ly/HLNpedcross
Please note, pre-registration is required to attend.
The meeting will be streamed in room 326 of the City-County Building (316 N. Park Ave.) for anyone that does not have access to Zoom.
The locations currently being evaluated for new treatments to improve pedestrian crossing are the intersections of Lyndale Avenue/Ewing Street and Montana Avenue/Bozeman Street. The improvements were as recommended in the Five-Point Intersections and Corridor Connections Multimodal Traffic Study (Five-Point Study). The purpose of this project is to identify potential improvement options for each intersection, conduct a detailed analysis of all options, and identify the best solution for each intersection.
Lyndale Avenue/Ewing Street
During development of the Five-Point Study, there were identified safety concerns related to pedestrians crossing Lyndale Avenue. After much consideration and public input, it was determined that a crossing at Lyndale Avenue/Ewing Street with enhanced treatments would be the best solution to promote safe and efficient connectivity. This location will also provide a more direct connection to Centennial Trail, Kindrick Legion Field, and south to Helena Avenue.
Montana Avenue/Bozeman Street
Through the Five-Point Study, multiple trail connections and crossing opportunities for Montana Avenue were evaluated and ultimately, it was determined that crossing at Bozeman Street would be the safest and most efficient. best minimize out-of-direction travel and provide desired access and connectivity, while considering safety and operational needs for both non-motorized and vehicular travel modes.
An existing conditions review has been conducted to assess pedestrian crossing conditions. The evaluation revealed that there are few pedestrians currently crossing at either of the locations due to lack of proper infrastructure. In addition, a gap and pedestrian delay assessment was carried out to consider the existing traffic volumes and the current crossing conditions. This assessment found that it is challenging for pedestrians to cross at either intersection due to heavy traffic as well as the length of the crossings.
These findings highlight the need for improved crossing treatments that create safe gaps in traffic flow for pedestrians. We will be hosting a live virtual public meeting to present information on the potential crossing solutions to make pedestrian crossings safer and more efficient. We will also be gathering feedback and comments on the proposed improvements at this virtual public meeting.
Community input is a very important part of the process. The public is encouraged to participate in the virtual public meeting to share their concerns, thoughts, and ideas with the project team. This project is intended to be a collaborative effort between the city, stakeholders, and the public. As such, all input gathered from these events will be considered by the project team as the project advances.
Comments can be submitted at any time to the project manager, Scott Randall, online via the Helena Pedestrian Crossings website (beheardhelena.com/helena-pedestrian-crossings). Comments may also be submitted via email at srandall@rpa-hln.com, by phone at 406-447-5005, or by mail at 3147 Saddle Drive, Helena, MT 59601.
For more information about the project, visit beheardhelena.com/helena-pedestrian-crossings.