Comments for “2023 Billings Urban Area Long Range Transportation Plan - Draft Projects”
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5th Avenue Corridor
Wouldn't a bike/ped tunnel be a better solution than a signal here?
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ReplyFor instance: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5627d2b8e4b0857eb06637e7/t/61b78a65da9b671ccbac1edc/1639418489762/Rail+Trail+Bridge+Renderings+120721+%281%29.pdf
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I always find it sad that this 'hub' offers no real destination. It would be good to relocate along the 5th Ave Corridor between the Library and current Gazette building. From the article: www.pps.org/article/placemaking-in-transit "Linking transit to existing public places is the simplest, and probably the most obvious and common strategy. Transit agencies usually plan their stops so that they correspond to destinations like a main square or a public library or school. For a station to become a lively community center, however, it should not only be located at a public place, but the station should be truly integral to it. Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon, is one of the premier examples in the country where transit is integrated into a public square known as "Portland's Living Room." Indeed, the two were designed at the same time."
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If the #1 Bus went up 9th and east on Grand it would better serve the Elks Apartments and meet up with the #5 Grand Bus to transfer. 5th would be safer for cyclists w/out a bus. This Broadwater shopping area could become a useful transfer place. www.pps.org/article/placemaking-in-transit
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why not add the MET Bus transfer stops here instead of out on 15th street and Grand Ave. "A bus system’s stops and stations can and should serve a multitude of functions themselves and be surrounded by everyday destinations beyond just transportation infrastructure." www.pps.org/article/how-a-humble-bus-stop-can-anchor-a-whole-neighborhood
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Lewis Ave/ 13th St W
Birdpoint Townhomes might sell the few necessary feet to connect 13th St W.- just a short but important path for school kids. The entire block across from the school is impermeable to kids on foot heading north. https://svc.mt.gov/dor/property/prc#/map/0309270521137MSTR?mapMode=standard
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I feel Nina Clare Rd could benefit from sidewalks. Listing this area as a safe walking zone for Poly Drive School but still expecting kids and parents to walk in the streets doesn’t make much sense.
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ReplySome sections of the ‚‚Big Ditch“ could be used as connecting paths if the city reached out to the ditch owners and perhaps the Mayflower church. Property reference here: https://svc.mt.gov/dor/property/prc#/map/03092707104010000?mapMode=standard
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This area is problematic during school release. Parents park in the lot, but trying to exit the lot is next to impossible. People park on the yellow line on 14th, which makes one unable to see up/down the street without pulling into the northbound lane. Perhaps some kind of street barriers (curbing?) bordering the parking lot ramp would help drivers get out of the lot without putting kids on the sidewalk at risk of being struck
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Please encourage use of the city MET bus system. If all bus rides were free, the people would use it much more often.
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ReplySome places have free for kids in the summer and market taking the bus to local pools, parks and museums.
Like Liked 4 timesMET might want to expand on the idea of fixed bus stops by letting adjacent property owners create stops in keeping with their identity. For example the 15 & Broadwater intersection could feature a big Red Rooster, an army stop, a classic car bench(used car lot) and an exercise or rowing bench (from the fitness centre located there)."0 Such a program would raise awareness of Bus connectivity
Like Liked 3 timesAnd get permission to have the 15th and Grand buses stop on the West Park Promenade traffic circle would make waiting, transferring, shopping and meeting others much easier. You could double up on bus shelters, providing route clarity, increase visibility, and save money. It would make much more sense for the Ave D apts and surrounding neighbors. Perhaps a similar set up could be considered close to the mall to I increase ridership.
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I have many concerns about the increase in traffic on Rimrock once the IBL is built.
(on top of the already increase traffic due to the massive residential developments on the far northwest end) I understand from talking with a city official last year that there was at one time a consideration to connect further west, but it was scrapped due to cost and political pressure. I believe it's time to reopen that - it would be good if the folks who live in the expensive subdivisions further west had a stake in the traffic problems on Rimrock Road.Liked 2 times
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ReplyCompleting the BBWA Canal Trail has the potential the ease Rimrock traffic. The ditch connects important destinations in all five wards. With raised bridges creating a continuous safe path you could get clear across the city much faster on a bike than in a loud SUV. Denver and Minneapolis are good examples of cities with many bike commuters.
Like Liked 5 timesThe BBWA trail already exists as a packed earth or gravel path for ditch riders which would be fine for many cyclists. The missing element is access to this heritage trail. It’s time to reach an agreement on both this and the 5th Ave Corridor greenway from the Y to the Metra. So much potential. Start with access and add improvements with use and public input.
Like Liked 6 timesThe BBWA trail already exists as a packed earth or gravel path for ditch riders which would be fine for many cyclists. The missing element is access to this heritage trail. It’s time to reach an agreement on both this and the 5th Ave Corridor greenway from the Y to the Metra. So much potential. Start with access and add improvements with use and public input.
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Please add lights to the existing crosswalk at Rimrock and Beartooth. I realize that the elementary age children north of Rimrock no longer attend Boulder School, so from a school perspective there may be the notion that a light isn't a high priority. But I'm a citizen pedestrian, and can tell you that less than 50% of the time when I cross here does traffic stop for me. And there are children who attend Will James Middle School that would have a safer route to school with a light on this crosswalk.
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Please add a lighted crosswalk at Racquet and Rimrock. I live on Rimrock across from where Racquet deadends. My sister-in-law was killed by a hit and run driver in 2021, while crossing from the convenience store. Even though it's a well lit area the driver was coming very fast and she didn't have a chance. I see children standing on the sidewalk on Rimrock trying to cross to get to the store and I so fear that the next death on Rimrock will be a child. A crosswalk won't solve all the problems, but it will help.
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ReplyI remember that accident, so sorry for you loss. Rimrock has taken the lives of many, unfortunately.
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Adding a traffic light along Rimrock at one of the streets that leads in and out of Castlewood would make it easier for residents of Castlewood to exit the subdivision and head east on Rimrock during commuting hours. Now they usually have to turn right when they exit and find a place to turn around, quite often that is 38th which just adds to traffic at Arrowhead School area
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Due to the overabundance of far west end commuters who use Rimrock Road during commuting hours - Grand Avenue west of Shiloh needs to be widened as soon as possible to encourage commuters to primarily travel through a 4 lane business roadway, rather than a 2-lane residential roadway. Let's remember that while Rimrock is considered a primary arterial by the city - it is still well over 90% residential!
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ReplyOr just look at the streetcar or bus suggestions again. Move people, not vehicles. You will always need to create wider roads to move more vehicles, creating the impetus for more vehicles to gather, creating a need for more road space. Stop focusing on vehicles and focus on moving people with transport. It will make Billings more efficient and save money in both the short and long runs.
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