Road Projects
Arthur, 5th & 6th Streets

The new Arthur 5th 6th project opened in early September 2011.  Overall the project seems much better than what was originally proposed.  There are three lanes instead of five, yet some congestion exists at the stop lights and stop signs.  A safety hazard exists especially at Maurice and 6th- we are working to help bring forward solutions. 

The current confiuration has been deemed an interim safety project by the City, State and University of Montana.  We see this project as a stepping stone to a plan similar to the Citizen Plan brought forward by MIST in 2005. 

The current project narrowed several intersection corners and makes pedestrian crossings much shorter.  New bike lanes, sharrows and a bike box put a strong emphasis on bicycle connections. 

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Here is the oringinal string of events for this project:

2004 to 2009: The State of Montana is proposing to redevelop the intersections of 5th 6th and Arthur near the University of Montana. MIST is opposed to the State Plan and has been involved in a community process over the last six years that has resulted in a Citizens Plan. Below is some basic information on both plans.

March 2009 update:  it looks like the State plan is off the table, while a compromise is being worked out

November 2009 update: the 'compromise plan' is still being worked on, which looks much better than the original 5-lane plan, yet still has some safety concerns, mainly the likely higher speeds associated with a new traffic signal at Arthur/5th

February 2011 update: the 'compromise plan' is about to be approved.  This plan and more info can be found at:

http://wgmgroup.com/2010/12/5th6thmauriceaurthur-informati.html

This is an immense improvement over the original State plan that almost came to fruition.  Our main concern with the plan moving forward is the stop light that remains as the preferred intersection change at Arthur and 5th.  We will likely see injury crashes if a traffic signal is installed here.  A single lane roundabout, or a roundabout with a slip lane, would be a much safer alternative.  MIST will continue to pursue the Citizens Plan formulated over the last decade.

 

Original State Plan
Citizens Plan
Adds two traffic signals; widens section of Arthur Avenue to five lanes; demolishes six houses; eliminates green space; likely degrades safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians

* High-speed, 5-lane roads often lead to severe crashes
* Approaching drivers speed to make traffic signal (and run red light)
* 102-ft crossing distance too long for pedestrians
* Traffic signals = stop-and-go traffic
* 65% more vehicle idling time at traffic signals*
* Traffic signals cost $10,000/year more to maintain*
* Research shows traffic signals lead to 10 times more fatalities and 4 times more crashes than roundabouts*
* Takes away ¼ of Rankin Park
*from USDOT		 Adds roundabouts; shortens crosswalks; preserves neighborhood; increases green space; saves money; promotes cooperation among all users; meets Long Range Plan’s overriding theme of prioritizing non-motorized transportation (PDF).

* 2-lane roads with roundabouts are very safe and accessible
* Roundabout keeps driver attention at street level
* 11-foot crosswalks = safe passage for pedestrians
* Roundabouts = calm traffic with smooth flow
* Lower vehicle emissions from eliminated idling
* Roundabouts = no electricity, low maintenance costs
* Moderate speeds at roundabouts result in fewer crashes with drastically reduced severity
* Enhances and expands Rankin Park

 

 

A citizens' plan for the Arthur 5th 6th project

 

 

 

MDT original plan for Arthur 5th 6th

 

Back to Get Involved

Links:
Groups believe they can come up with better Arthur Avenue plan
a Missoulian article by Betsy Cohen

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)
Information on the Arthur Project from the State