Q1:
What will be built in 2012?
The Hutton Ranch Road Extension project was awarded in the fall of 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2012.
Final design for the Reserve Loop to US 93 protion of the north segment will be completed in the summer of 2012. If construction funding becomes available the segment can be bid for construction. top



Q2:
Who decides what segment will be built next?
MDT decides what segment will be built next, based upon recommendations from the City of Kalispell, Flathead County and their representative Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). top



Q3:
What will happen at the intersection with Two Mile Drive?
MDT is considering multiple options for the Two Mile Drive intersection, two of which are a multilane roundabout and an overpass over the bypass with no access to & from Two Mile Drive. MDT hosted an information meeting on 4/4/2011 in part to discuss these options. click here to go to the Public Meetings page. top



Q4:
Why don’t you relocate (move) the Bypass…. to connect to US 93 further north?
The EIS recommended and the Record of Decision (ROD) confirmed the Bypass alignment which connects at West Reserve Drive. The REIS has evaluated the new design features and what has changed in environmental impacts. Changing the location of the bypass is not an option. top



Q5:
Will pedestrian and bicycle paths be provided along the bypass?
Yes, there will be sidewalks or pedestrian/bicycle paths along the entire length of the bypass. top



Q6:
How will pedestrians and bicyclists cross the Bypass corridor? Including children?
Pedestrians will be accommodated at all overpasses/underpasses, signalized intersections and roundabouts. Pedestrian underpasses are being planned in Section 36 (north end) and have been installed near Sunnyside Drive. top



Q7:
Why build roundabouts?
A roundabout provides traffic control with slower speeds and reduces the delay typically experienced at traffic signals, especially during non-peak hours. Roundabouts reduce the number of vehicle conflict locations (compared to a typical 4-way intersection) from 32 to 8 vehicle/vehicle and from 24 to 8 vehicle/pedestrian conflicts. Roundabouts have been shown to reduce the number of traffic crashes and also reduce the severity of crashes; due to the slower speeds required for traveling through a roundabout. top



Q8:
How do I drive a roundabout?
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/roundabouts/
1. SLOW DOWN Driving speeds in roundabouts are 15 mph or less.

2. LOOK TO THE LEFT Traffic flows in a counterclockwise direction. Yield to vehicles in the roundabout. They have the right-of-way.

3. STAY RIGHT Enter the roundabout and stay to the right of the center island. Do not stop if the way is clear. Never pass or overtake another vehicle after entering a single lane roundabout.

4. TRAVEL AROUND THE CIRCLE Travel around the circle until you reach your desired street, use your right-turn signal and exit the roundabout.

When entering and exiting, watch for and yield to pedestrians in or waiting at the crosswalk. top



Q9:
Why is Noise Mitigation planned or not/planned for certain areas?
Noise mitigation (frequently noise walls) funded with highway dollars can only be installed in areas that were identified for mitigation in the environmental document. MDT also recognizes that adjacent landowners need to support the concept of noise walls, if they are to be built. Meetings were held with adjacent landowners to discuss impacts and possible mitigations. top



Q10:
Will there be any additional access between 3 and 4 Mile Drives?
The project intent is to not allow any access. The existing Parkridge Drive will connect to Stillwater Drive, but dead-end at the Bypass. top



Q11:
How much traffic will the Bypass pull away from Downtown Businesses? How will this impact the Businesses?
One of the primary goals of the Bypass is to help the Downtown by relieving traffic congestion. The Kalispell Bypass is a limited access facility which will minimize the commercial impact to Downtown Kalispell. This concept has the support of the City and County. top



Q12:
Is the Bypass eligible for Stimulus dollars?
Yes, construction received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA of 2009) funds as part of Montana's $211 million in highway for infrastructure. top