| |
FAQS
Q1:
What is the timeline of the project?
 The re-evaluation of the Environmental Impact Statement (REIS) is completed which allows final design to proceed. Construction began in 2007, with the Reserve Loop project. Remaining funds are being applied to acquiring the right-of-way and the next construction phase planned in 2008-09. Funding is not available to construct the entire project. top
Q2:
How can we provide public comments and ensure that it is heard and included?
MDT encourages comments and suggestions from the community. All comments received, whether verbal or in writing, are noted and maintained in the project files. Comments and suggestions can be provided at meetings or by email, telephone, fax, or in writing to the contacts for this project. top
Q3:
Why don’t you move the bypass location further west?
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. Passive ROW acquisition has occurred on about 40% of the Bypass. The city and county planners have been incorporating the Bypass ROW into all area planning and development since 1994. Developers have been aware of this proposed project although the actual home buyers may not have been informed when they purchased their house. By limiting access onto the Bypass MDT seeks to preserve its function as a Bypass. 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 and signalized intersections. Pedestrian underpasses are being considered in Section 36 (north end) and near Sunnyside Drive. top
Q7:
Why build a roundabout at Reserve and Stillwater?
A traffic signal was not warranted (does not meet the legal requirements), yet the four-way stop was creating other traffic problems. With the anticipated traffic increase from the new high school, a roundabout provides traffic control with slower speeds and reduces the delay typically experienced at signals, especially during non-peak hours. Roundabouts reduce the number of traffic 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 will be 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 Stillwater, but dead-end at the Bypass. top
Q11:
Who will maintain the new roadsides so they don’t become weed patches?
MDT will be responsible for maintenance. top
QUESTIONS CONCERNING SOUTH SEGMENT DESIGN
Q12:
Why are no ramps planned at Foys Lake Road?
The long term, full build Kalispell Bypass project includes ramps for full access to the Bypass at Foy's Lake Road. Due to lack of adequate construction funds, the ramps will not be constructed until additional construction funds are obtained to build the ramps. top
Q13:
Why is Foys Lake Road climbing over the Bypass?
The Kalispell Bypass is now planned to cross above (over) Foy's Lake Road. Due to geotechnical considerations (boggy ground that will settle a lot when an elevated roadway is built), the vertical alignments were shifted to allow the Bypass to pass under an elevated Foys Lake Road. This has provided reduced earth work and reduced noise impacts. top
Q14:
Why is a traffic signal or interchange not being constructed at Airport Road?
As with Foys Lake Road, lack of adequate construction funds have limited the access at Airport Road to an at-grade intersection with a two-way stop on Airport Road. Long term, a grade separated interchange with three ramps is planned at Airport Road. top
Q15:
Why do Corporate and Appleway Drives need to be rebuilt?
The north bound on and off ramps for the Kalispell Bypass at US Highway 2 eliminates the existing intersection of Corporate Drive and Appleway Drive. Although the ramps will not be in the initial construction, the consolidation of these two intersecting roads will improve traffic safety turning to and from US 2. top
Q16:
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
Q17:
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
|
|
|
|
