Montana Department of Transportation is in the planning phase of a project to improve the I-94/Highway 59 interchange (the "Broadus interchange"). One of the stated goals is to raise the height of the bridges so there is more clearance for MT-59/Haynes Ave. traffic passing under I-94.
MDT is seeking public feedback and you can submit comments online: Opinion, comments and concerns may also be submitted in
writing at the meeting, by mail to Shane Mintz, Glendive
District Administrator, MDT, Glendive district office
at PO Box 890, Glendive, MT 59330-0890, or online at
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml
Please indicate comments are for project UPN 7565
and submit comments by February 3, 2012. Here is a link to an MDT web page about the project:
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/sc...14.top&type=meetings |
Below is the feedback I submitted to MDT.
I think this is an important project for Miles City. This interchange is right in the middle of your big business district.
I urge Miles Citians to encourage MDT to do a great job with this project, get it done right "the first time", and take into consideration the importance of this interchange with respect to its busy location in Miles City, the opportunity for growth along this street, and the fact that the interchange represents a huge gateway to and first impression of Miles City.
- Dave
Greetings,
While I do not live in Miles City, I visit regularly and usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express which is located right next to this interchange. I applaud MDT's intentions to improve this interchange. It is a worthwhile project.
In addition to increasing the height/clearance and width of the I-94 bridges, I hope that this project also includes:
* Widening the distance between the bridge supports/widening MT 59/South Haynes Avenue as it passes under I-94.
* Curb, gutter, and sidewalk on both sides of MT 59/So. Haynes as it passes under I-94.
* Improved sightlines for motorists waiting at the stop signs at the ends of each I-94 off ramp to allow better visibility of approaching traffic.
* Lighting to take into account night-time pedestrian traffic under the overpasses.
* Perhaps traffic lights/stoplights at each on/off ramp. A good example is eastbound I-94 traffic taking this offramp and then attempting to turn left to go n.b. on MT 59. This can be a challenging left turn due to heavy traffic, proximity to traffic entering/exiting business parking lots, and poor sightlines through the bridge underpass.
The decision to add stoplights should be coordinated with the other MDT project to improve traffic flow / safety on this portion of South Haynes Ave. Attempting to turn out of (esp. left turns) businesses along So. Haynes Ave. or attempting to cross So. Haynes Ave. either as a pedestrian or a motorist can be quite challenging -- especially during the busy summer tourist months or peak traffic times ("rush hour").
* Landscaping and/or artistic design to concrete walls/bridge approaches/supports and lighting (light posts similar to those used on Main St/Strevell stoplights or light posts with hooks for hanging flower baskets). Something to make this area seem a little more like it's "in town" and not a dirty old interchange out in the middle of the prairie. [Smile.]
Sincerely, South Haynes Ave. is a growing and important business district in Miles City/eastern Montana and this interchange is or will soon be in the middle of it. It would be nice if this interchange could be "dressed up" a little bit to account for its central location and the fact that it represents an important gateway to Miles City. It makes an impression on visitors.
Thank you for your time and for taking the initiative to improve this interchange and improve Miles City. I look forward to seeing the finished job!
David Schott |
Nice letter, Dave.
I think serious consideration needs to be given to forcing traffic turning in to business into a couple of different access points with a stoplight rather than letting traffic jump the curb to pull into the gas stations, Galaghers, etc. Making a left hand turn is tough to do. |
I agree, Richard. Apparently the project to corral traffic on South Haynes Avenue is a separate one. I haven't gone looking for that project or how to comment on it, but you're dead on -- they need to limit access on Haynes Ave.
I read in the Star that Roger Lothspeich is developing the former Fretland property (next to Frank's Body Shop) and is putting Dickinson Street through to Haynes Ave. That's interesting. Perhaps access to new businesses on the "Fretland" property will be from Dickinson St. |
MDT to improve the I-94/MT 59 interchange, 
David Schott, 1/24/2012 3:16:28 PM
RE: MDT to improve the I-94/MT 59 interchange, 
- WA