Public Works Committee holds review of Harrison Avenue trail tunnel while awaiting MDT traffic study

Public Works Committee Chair Eric Mankins called the committee to order and said the panel would take up a communication requesting a status update and committee review of the walking-trail tunnel under Harrison Avenue south of Dickies Barbecue.

The committee voted unanimously to hold the item until its next meeting while staff follow up with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) on a planned traffic study that committee members said will inform whether further action is needed. The item is listed in the meeting record as communication number 202-4544; the transcript also shows an inconsistent variant, 202044, which the committee did not resolve during the meeting.

The matter drew a constituent concern recorded by Commissioner Healy, who said a resident asked who is responsible for removing garbage that has accumulated in a culvert section and filled with water. Director Neary, the county public works director, was not present; members asked staff to check responsibility and report back. “At this time, I do not have the answer to that,” the chair said, noting the issue will be added to the meeting notes for Director Neary to address.

With the director absent and the MDT traffic study pending, a commissioner moved to hold the communication until the next Public Works Committee meeting. Commissioner O'Neil seconded the motion. Chair Mankins called the vote and recorded five aye votes and no nays; the motion carried 5-0. Voting yes were Chair Eric Mankins, Vice Chair Joshua Neal, Commissioner Boyle, Commissioner O'Leary and Commissioner Healy.

The committee recorded no further business and adjourned. Staff will report back on the MDT traffic study status and whether Silver Bow County or MDT is responsible for culvert cleanup at a subsequent meeting.