Billings Heights residents breathe a sigh of relief as officials act swiftly on road safety concerns, following a series of alarming accidents and persistent neighbor complaints. The intersection of Mary Street and Bitterroot Drive, a hotspot for crashes, is set to undergo significant improvements, thanks to a rapid response from city, county, and state authorities.
The urgency was palpable, as neighbors like Amanda Rule, who lives in close proximity to the intersection, expressed deep concern for the safety of her family. With multiple serious crashes in recent months, the fear was palpable, and the need for action was clear. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) conducted an initial traffic study in just two weeks, a remarkably swift process, leading to an action plan for immediate upgrades.
The improvements include larger, edge-lit stop signs on Bitterroot Drive, stop bars painted on the northbound and southbound approaches, reflective striping on signposts, and additional 'Stop Ahead' signage. The goal is to ensure drivers, especially those on Bitterroot Drive, actually stop at the intersection, a critical step in preventing accidents.
Despite the progress, some neighbors had hoped for more drastic changes, such as a four-way stop or a roundabout. However, MDT's analysis revealed that the intersection doesn't meet federal guidelines for an all-way stop. The recorded crash data, though incomplete, didn't meet the threshold requirements, and traffic volumes were below the federal minimums for adding stop control on Mary Street. MDT also warned that installing a four-way stop where not warranted could potentially increase crashes.
The MDT did note that nearly all recent angle crashes involved northbound drivers failing to yield, and video footage captured at least one near-crash caused by a driver running the stop sign. As a result, additional upgrades are under consideration, including flashing LED lights on stop signs, 'Stop Ahead' pavement markings, a speed-limit review on Mary Street east of Bitterroot, and noise-reducing alternatives to rumble strips. These long-term, higher-cost solutions would require further study and funding.
The intersection's configuration may also change with the upcoming construction of the final segment of the Billings Bypass, expected in about five years. However, this timeline is subject to change. For now, the immediate improvements are a welcome step, but neighbors like Rule remain vigilant, aware that there's still more to be done to ensure the safety of the community.
