Silver Bow County public works committee pauses tunnel review, approves local traffic and wildlife signage

Silver Bow County Public Works Committee members on April 9, 2025 voted to hold a status review of a pedestrian tunnel under Harrison Avenue, approved a plan to add traffic signage near Beef Trail Road and Ski Area Loop, and recorded that the Montana Department of Transportation will install wildlife crossing signs along Montana Highway 2.

The actions came during a meeting chaired by Chairman Mankins, with Commissioners Joshua O'Neil, Bill Boyle, Russell O'Leary and Commissioner Healy present; Commissioner Callahan was absent. Director Neary, Public Works director, gave the committee the updates staff had received from external agencies and the local homeowners association.

Why it matters: the items concern pedestrian safety, intersection visibility and animal-vehicle collisions on routes used by residents, daycare centers and seasonal traffic. The committee’s decisions leave one item pending while creating short-term steps for two others.

Discussion and outcomes

Harrison Avenue pedestrian tunnel: The committee heard that the county has asked the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to conduct a traffic count and study of the walking-trail tunnel under Harrison Avenue, south of Dickies Barbecue. "There isn't anything new to this communication. I've asked MDT to do a, traffic count…