To: Jeff Key, Project Manager, Robert Peccia and Associates

From: Gallatin Gateway Planning Group

January 18, 2008

RE: Input for the 2008 update of the Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan

The Gallatin Gateway Planning Group is incorporated as a Montana not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation tasked with developing a neighborhood plan that will direct growth in the greater Gallatin Gateway community in a positive manner. The group has gathered input from property owners and business owners in the community by means of a survey, four community-wide meetings, a website, and consultations with the Gallatin Gateway Fire Department, our first responders to many accidents. More than 200 residents have expressed their ideas through these forums. Our community is bisected by U.S. Highway 191, and this section has been designated a “high crash corridor” by the Montana Department of Transportation, with a fatality rate that is 3 1/2 times the average of U.S. highways in the state. At present, Gallatin Gateway has approximately 300 lots available for development, and it is sandwiched between the rapidly growing communities of Big Sky, Bozeman, and Belgrade. Given all of these factors, we expect to experience significant growth that will impact an already impaired traffic safety situation.

Highway 191/Gallatin Gateway Corridor (Axtell Anceney Road to Cottonwood Road)

Extend the 50 mph speed zone north to Axtell Anceney Road and south to Cottonwood Road.

Install signage at both ends of the speed zone to indicate “congested area next 2 miles” or “dangerous intersection ahead”.

Install a stoplight at the Mill Street/Highway 191 intersection, with a Pre-emptive Traffic Device to allow the Gallatin Gateway FD safer and speedier access to the highway.

Install turn lanes at the following intersections with Highway 191: Axtell Anceney Road, Zachariah Lane, and Cottonwood Road.

We recommend further evaluation of the intersection of Highway 191, Mill Street, and Rabel Lane, the most congested intersection in the Gallatin Gateway community. To the west, it services the elementary school, the fire station, the Gallatin Gateway Community Center, and businesses and homes in town, as well as the Gallatin River and a network of rural roads. To the east, it services the Post Office, and businesses and residences. This intersection was recently given a Level of Service performance grade of C/C (a.m./p.m.). More growth is expected in the future in that area, and increased traffic could quickly diminish the LOS to a failing grade.

Eliminate excessive curb cuts and access points on Highway 191 by restricting access, as much as is possible, to major intersections with turn lanes. Require developers to provide frontage road access via intersections with turn lanes, instead of multiple curb cuts.

Install road improvements as determined by traffic studies.

Highway 191 Outside of the Gallatin Gateway Corridor

Install turn lanes at the following intersections with Highway 191: Low Bench Road, Williams Road, and Gateway South Road. The latter is especially important if Gateway South becomes a haul route for gravel trucks.

Eliminate the speed differential between cars and trucks on Highway 191, by posting a day speed of 65 and night speed of 60.

Install a Pre-emptive Traffic Device at the Four Corners/191 intersection. Four Corners is within the jurisdiction of the Gallatin Gateway FD, and this is a very dangerous intersection for emergency vehicles.

Commercial Truck Traffic/Emergency Vehicles

Study possible routes that would allow high-tonnage commercial vehicles to by-pass Mill St. when accessing Highway 191. Possible routes include Gateway South, Axtell Gateway, and/or Axtell Anceney. Any of these would require significant road improvements and the input of the people who live on those routes.

Replace the Axtell Anceney Bridge with a bridge that can support at least 30 tons/3 axles. The current bridge cannot support the Gallatin Gateway FD’s three heaviest vehicles. In addition, no vehicles from other fire departments offering mutual aid can cross this bridge. In order to respond to a structure fire in that northern area, vehicles from other fire districts have to drive south to Mill Street, drive through town, then drive north on Axtell Gateway or Axtell Anceney Road, adding at least 10 minutes to the response time.

Speed

Extend the 25 mph speed zone on Mill Street to the west to the intersection with Cottontail Road, Axtell Gateway Road, and Gateway South Road; from that intersection, Gateway South should be 35 mph for 3 miles, where homes are clustered.

Signage

Install additional signs in the town of Gallatin Gateway as needed (stop signs, emergency vehicle warnings etc.).

Non-motorized Transportation

Extend the current pedestrian/bicycle trail along Highway 191 further south. Add a leg to the trail from the Highway 191/Mill Street Underpass west on Mill Street past the school and terminating at the Gallatin River.

Construct one or both of these trails to allow for equine use if possible, as this is a very popular form of recreation in Gallatin Gateway.

Many of the secondary roads in Gallatin Gateway are used by residents for various recreational pursuits, such as walking, riding horses, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. Developments that add considerable traffic to the roads should mitigate their impact by providing for trails within or adjacent to the development so that residents can continue to enjoy these pursuits safely.

Public Transportation

Expansion of the Streamline Bus/Big Sky Shuttle system offers more travel options and could improve traffic flow. Streamline should consult with local businesses on placement of bus stops in order to avoid conflicts with parking and traffic.

Development

Developers should review the Transportation Safety section of the Gallatin Gateway Neighborhood Plan and plan development accordingly to minimize traffic hazards and impact on the larger community.

Enforcement

One of the highest priorities of residents of Gallatin Gateway is increased enforcement of traffic laws. Excessive speed, dangerous passing, and road rage are all major causes of accidents in our community.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Diane Volkersz

volkersz@mcn.net

406-763-4773

Dick DeBernardis

debern@imt.net

406-763-4268

Jill Allen

a2andj2@imt.net

406-763-5410