A call for action has been answered in Billings Heights, where residents have been advocating for improved road safety. After a series of concerning incidents and neighbor complaints, officials are taking swift measures to address a problematic intersection.
The Intersection's Story
For months, residents like Amanda Rule, whose home is just steps away from the intersection of Mary Street and Bitterroot Drive, have witnessed the aftermath of serious crashes. Rule's concern is not just for herself but for her child, emphasizing the personal impact of these incidents.
In the recent past, at least three major crashes have occurred at this intersection, and neighbors fear that the danger persists despite the lack of recent reports. With new subdivisions and more houses being built, the traffic flow is changing, and Rule believes that while the proposed changes are a step in the right direction, accidents are still likely to happen.
A Rapid Response
In what city officials describe as an incredibly swift turnaround, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) conducted an initial traffic study, and within a matter of days, a plan for immediate upgrades was agreed upon by the city and county.
Debi Meling, Billings Public Works Director, highlights the unique nature of this intersection, which falls under shared jurisdiction. One of the key issues identified is the limited visibility at night, making it a particularly challenging intersection.
Upcoming Changes
Starting this week, crews will be implementing the following improvements:
- Larger, edge-lit stop signs on Bitterroot Drive
- Stop bars painted at the northbound and southbound approaches
- Reflective strips on signposts
- Additional "Stop Ahead" signage
The goal is to ensure drivers, especially those heading northbound on Bitterroot, actually stop at the intersection. Meling explains that while the stop control itself won't change, the visibility of the stop signs will be enhanced.
Why a Four-Way Stop Wasn't Approved
Many neighbors had hoped for more significant 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.
MDT's findings include:
- Incomplete crash data that doesn't meet the threshold requirements for an all-way stop
- Adequate sight distance at the intersection
- Traffic volumes below federal minimums for adding stop control on Mary Street
- The potential for increased crashes if a four-way stop is installed where it's not warranted, as drivers may ignore unexpected stop signs on what feels like a through street
Despite these findings, MDT notes that nearly all recent angle crashes involved northbound drivers failing to yield, and video footage captures instances of drivers running the stop sign, causing near-misses.
Additional Upgrades and Long-Term Solutions
Further improvements under consideration include flashing LED lights on stop signs, "Stop Ahead" pavement markings, a speed limit review on Mary Street, and noise-reducing alternatives to rumble strips.
Longer-term, more costly solutions, such as an overhead beacon, new roadway lighting, or a traffic signal, would require additional studies and funding. MDT also mentions that the intersection's configuration may change once construction begins on the final segment of the Billings Bypass, expected in approximately five years.
Neighbors' Response
For Rule, the new upgrades are a positive step, but she emphasizes that more needs to be done. She encourages residents to stay aware and vigilant, as change is ongoing.
Work on these improvements is scheduled for the week of December 1st to 5th, and the community eagerly awaits the impact these changes will have on road safety in Billings Heights.
