Uncategorized
Big Sky’s second stoplight set for summer installation
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBSCO seeks nearly $1 million state grant for pedestrian tunnel project
By Amanda Eggert EBS Senior Editor
BIG SKY – If two big projects, a stoplight installation on Highway 64 and a pedestrian tunnel to run underneath it, continue to move forward as intended, Big Sky stands to make significant headway in its struggle to make a community intersected by a highway safer for pedestrians and motorists.
The installation of the stoplight at the intersection of Highway 64 and Ousel Falls Road, one of the busiest intersections in Big Sky, is expected to take approximately 30 days, and construction is slated for late spring when the ground thaws.
Ciara Wolfe, executive director of Big Sky Community Organization, the nonprofit that’s spearheading the project, said BSCO is shooting for a June 30 completion date—and ideally sooner.
Wolfe said the light will be covered for two weeks following the installation to allow drivers time to adjust to it. BSCO would like the light to be fully operation before July Fourth to accommodate the heavy visitor traffic that typically accompanies the holiday.
In addition to the stoplight, a four-way crosswalk will be installed with curbs, gutters, pavement markings and pedestrian-friendly ramps.
Half of the project was funded by a Big Sky Resort Area District tax board appropriation of $175,000, and the remaining 50 percent was split between donations by the Simkins family, Lone Mountain Land Company and the Yellowstone Club.
In response to community input that the roadway would have been better served by a roundabout, Wolfe said BSCO trusted the recommendation of the traffic engineers. “[They] understand the traffic dynamics, the ebb and flow [of vehicles], sight distance and traffic management,” she said. Bringing motorists to a complete stop will allow pedestrians to cross more safely, Wolfe added.
Last July, a pedestrian was flown to Billings in an air ambulance and admitted to the intensive care unit after being struck by a motorist while crossing Highway 64 near its intersection with Ousel Falls Road.
Once motorists have become accustomed to the stoplight, the Montana Department of Transportation will conduct a speed study on Highway 64. Wolfe said she hopes the speed limit will be lowered given the fact Big Sky has a highway splitting the epicenter of its commercial and residential districts.
The stretch of Highway 64 between Highway 191 and Town Center is the site of regular traffic accidents due in part to its lack of a protected left-hand turn lane. Motorists coming to a full stop on the highway to turn into commercial areas like the Big Sky Medical Center, Ace Hardware and Roxy’s Market are often rear-ended by drivers who fail to slow adequately after traveling at near-highway speeds, especially during rush-hour traffic.
The future of another big transportation safety project—a pedestrian tunnel that would run under Highway 64 near its intersection with Little Coyote Road—will become more clear in the coming months.
BSCO is asking the State of Montana for a $906,942 grant from its Transportation Alternatives Program to fund the construction of the tunnel. Wolfe said this is the safest option for that area since it completely separates pedestrians and motorists.
The Big Sky Trails, Recreation and Park District and BSCO will present the final grant to the Gallatin County Commission for approval on March 21.
If it’s selected for the Transportation Alternatives Program, Big Sky will have received all of the necessary funding to move the years-long process forward. Wolfe said that given present timelines, the earliest construction would start on that project is summer 2018.
BSCO is seeking community participation in the project in the form of letters of support for the grant. “[The Transportation Alternatives Program] is a competitive grant and this is an opportunity where the community can really help do something,” Wolfe said. “This isn’t about something that should be controversial—this is outside funding that’s going to be given to another community if it’s not given to us.”
For more information about how to submit comment on the pedestrian tunnel project, visit bscomt.org.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm