The Public Works Committee voted Oct. 8 to place further work on the walking tunnel beneath Harrison Avenue south of Dickies Barbecue in suspense until the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) completes a traffic study.

Director Mark Neary told the committee, "I do not have any further updates on The Walking Tunnel. I think we're still waiting for a a traffic study from MDT to see if the crosswalk this that is in presently is warrants a safe passage, but I haven't I don't have any details or updates." The crosswalk currently includes a center refuge, Neary said, but traffic volumes have increased.

The issue matters to pedestrians and drivers near the restaurant and nearby neighborhoods because the committee and staff said traffic counts and signal timing affect whether the surface crosswalk provides a safe crossing. Neary said the culvert under Harrison Avenue, which had been used for pedestrian passage, "doesn't work anymore" and is "full of water," so officials are evaluating alternatives but will wait for MDT's study before taking further steps.

Committee members described several practical concerns raised during the discussion. Neary told the group an electrician had said that if a pedestrian waits for the light to change without pressing the crosswalk button the signal "turns green faster than if you push the button," a possible factor for pedestrians who get caught in the middle of the crossing. Commissioner Michelle Shea said she expected MDT would conduct the study during higher-use months and suggested leaving the item in suspense until spring.

Commissioner Dan Callahan moved the committee place the communication in suspense "until Mr. Neary hears back from MDT on the study, and then you can advise us and we can take it out of suspense." The committee voted in favor; the motion passed.

Discussion only: committee members discussed safety concerns, the unusable culvert, signal timing and the need for MDT traffic counts. Direction/assignment: the committee directed staff to wait for and report back on MDT's traffic study. Formal action: the committee voted to put the item in suspense pending MDT's report. No construction, funding allocation or design decision was made at the Oct. 8 meeting.

Next steps: Director Neary will notify the committee when MDT provides the study so the committee can revisit the communication.