Study NewsletterSeptember, 2017

Project Description

The intersection of Dern and W Springcreek Road onU.S. Highway 2 has been identified by MDT as asafety concern. The intersection is located west ofKalispell near reference post 118. Traffic control at theintersection currently consists of stop signs on bothDern and W Springcreek Roads.

Past evaluation of the intersection recommended thatimprovements be made to address identified safetyconcerns. Safety concerns are noted due to thecomplicated geometric nature of the existingintersection. The intersection is located on acombination horizontal and crest vertical curve. Thiscombination of geometric features creates limited sightdistance for eastbound traffic approaching theintersection. The south leg of the intersection is alsolocated on a hill which limits sight distance.

Traffic and safety analyses and conceptual designshave recently been completed that examined potentialimprovements for U.S. Highway 2 at the Dern and WSpringcreek Roads intersection. Preliminaryintersection configurations were developed based onthe findings of the existing and projected conditionsanalyses. Each potential improvement option wasevaluated to assess how the option addressed issuesand concerns related to safety, operations, andconstruction feasibility. Ultimately, a single-laneroundabout configuration was identified to bestimprove safety and operations. This configuration wasfound to address the major concerns identified in thesafety analysis and would function at acceptable levelsthrough the planning horizon. The key features andsafety benefits of the roundabout design will bediscussed at the open house.

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Open House Scheduled to Discuss Proposed Improvements at the Intersection of Dern and W Springcreek Road on U.S. Highway 2.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) isconducting an Open House to discuss proposedimprovements to the intersection of Dern and WSpringcreek Roads on U.S. Highway 2 west ofKalispell, MT. The Open House will begin at 3:00 PM,and last until 7:00 PM, on Monday, September 25,2017. The meeting will be held in the Springcreek roomat the Hampton Inn, 1140 U.S. Hwy 2 W, in Kalispell.

The purpose of the meeting is to inform interestedparties about the benefits and operations of the chosenroundabout design and to solicit feedback from thepublic. This meeting is intended to discuss informationregarding the features and safety benefits of theroundabout design planned for the Dern and WSpringcreek Roads intersection on U.S. Highway 2.

Community participation is a very important part of theprocess and the public is encouraged to attend. Pleaseattend the open house anytime between 3:00 PM and7:00 PM to discuss the proposed intersectionimprovements with the project team. Comments maybe submitted in writing at the open house or be sent to:

Ed ToavsMissoula District AdministratorMontana Department of TransportationPO Box 7039Missoula MT 59807-7039

Or online at:www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml

Please note that your comments are for project UPN8626000.

Please join us for an open house onMonday, September 25, 2017 in theSpringcreek Room at the Hampton Inn inKalispell, MT. The open house will takeplace between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Alternative accessible formats of this information will be provided upon request by contacting the Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620; (406) 444-9229; fax (406) 444-7243, or e-mail to aflesch@mt.gov. Those using a TTY may call (800) 335-7592 or through the Montana Relay Service at 711.

Dern and W Springcreek Road Intersection Improvements

100 copies of this public document were published at an estimated cost of $2.49 per copy,for a total of $249.00, which includes $200.00 for printing and $49.00 for distribution.

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Dern and W Springcreek Roads Intersection Improvements

Study NewsletterSeptember, 2017

Single-lane Roundabout This design includes construction of a single-lane roundabout to replace the existing intersection. This configuration would address safety issues identified at this intersection and would significantly enhance traffic operations. The roundabout would accommodate large trucks.

Construction Impacts:• Requires significant changes to the vertical profile.• Additional right-of-way needed.

Improvements/Benefits:• Addresses existing safety issues and crash trends.• No added delay during off-peak hours.• Improved minor approach landings.• Reduction in conflict points.

Intersection Comparison

37%

75%

90%

40%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

OveralCollisions

InjuryCollisions

FatalityCollisions

PedestrianCollisions

Reduction in Collisions over Stop Signs and Traffic Signals for Roundabouts

Traffic Operations:• Adequate capacity for 20-year design life.• Improved traffic operations and reduced vehicle delay.• Slower traffic speed.

Typical Intersection:

32 Conflict Points

Roundabout:

8 Conflict Points

*Source: Federal Highway Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (FHWA and IIHS)