July 19, 2024
Please join us at one of three open houses this summer!
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announces three upcoming Bell Crossing Roundabout project open houses, which will be held on Tuesday, July 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, August 29 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stevensville School High School Library (300 Park Avenue Stevensville, MT). All are encouraged to stop by at any time to meet the project team, learn more, and have their questions answered. By hosting three open houses on various days and times, and within differing weeks, our goal is to ensure members of the public have the option to attend at a time most convenient to them. We recognize the importance of this project to the community.
Multiple crashes and near misses have occurred at this intersection, requiring upgrades to the existing intersection. A traffic study completed by MDT indicates a strong need for safety enhancements. To address this critical need, MDT studied multiple improvement alternatives, including a stop light and a roundabout, and would like to discuss design alternatives to enhance safety features and improve traffic flow. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, unforeseen circumstances permitting.
A two-lane roundabout has been identified as the ideal alternative for this intersection due to its safety benefits. Roundabouts are a safer alternative to traditional stop signs or signal-controlled intersections. They reduce fatal crashes by 90%, injury crashes by 75%, and overall crashes by 37%. When approaching a roundabout, drivers are forced to slow down to circulate around the roundabout, thereby nearly eliminating the opportunity for a T-bone collision.
Most crashes in roundabouts result in property damage only, which is why we see the encouraging statistics shared above.
The goal of the open house events is to gather feedback from community members on this design alternative, share information on the design, as well as the process that went into selecting the roundabout design over another potential solutions.
We understand that roundabouts are relatively new to Montana and may require a learning curve. Our top priority at MDT, first and foremost, is always safety. This design has proven to be the safest option. However, we fully recognize the need for continued conversation on potential impacts and community education on navigating a roundabout. A contracting team has not yet been selected. Right-of-way and construction impacts are not fully fleshed out at this time. More information will be provided as design work continues and construction approaches.
If you would like to share your feedback but cannot attend the event, please call the MDT Hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours.
This project is one component of MDT’s Vision Zero mission. Launched in May 2014, Vision Zero is an ongoing statewide collaboration among hundreds of agencies and organizations striving for zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana’s roadways.
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