City plans safety and mobility upgrades on Main Street to reduce crashes

The Kalispell City Council's recent work session highlighted significant plans for enhancing Main Street, focusing on safety, mobility, and community engagement. The proposed changes aim to transform the downtown corridor into a more pedestrian-friendly environment while addressing pressing safety concerns.

One of the key proposals includes the introduction of wider sidewalks and designated spaces for public amenities, such as greenery and sidewalk cafes. These enhancements are designed to create a vibrant atmosphere that supports local businesses and encourages community interaction. The council emphasized the importance of gathering input from residents and business owners on how these spaces should be utilized.

Safety was a major topic of discussion, with data revealing that Main Street accounted for 21% of all crashes in the planning area from 2018 to 2022, including serious injuries. The proposed design changes aim to mitigate these risks by improving traffic flow and creating safer crossing points for pedestrians, particularly near schools. Enhanced crossings and a hardened median are among the features intended to facilitate safer access for children and caregivers during peak drop-off times.

Traffic analysis indicated that while the proposed changes may slightly increase travel times—by about 30 to 90 seconds during peak hours—the benefits in safety and community livability are deemed worth the trade-off. The council noted that these adjustments would not lead to gridlock but rather a more manageable flow of traffic.

Community feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive of the proposed enhancements, particularly the desire for improved walkability and reduced noise pollution in the downtown area. The council is also considering environmental factors and drainage improvements as part of the project’s next phases.

The estimated cost for the project has been refined to approximately $26.8 million, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the proposed upgrades, including pavement rehabilitation and ADA compliance.

As Kalispell moves forward with these plans, the city council is committed to ensuring that the community's voice remains central to the development process, aiming to create a safer, more inviting Main Street for all residents.