Planners propose separated Higgins bikeway, two‑way Main/Front and a downtown streetcar as part of Missoula master plan

Project planners described a multi‑modal circulation strategy for Downtown Missoula at the workshop, including separated bikeways, conversions of Main and Front to two‑way streets, a proposed streetcar circulator and possible commuter‑rail links.

Don Crandall, one of the project presenters, framed the circulation proposals as part of a “complete‑streets” approach to reduce energy use and improve pedestrian and bicycle comfort. He told attendees the team is aiming for options that connect neighborhoods, the riverfront and major destinations such as the university, hospital and the transit center.

Major circulation proposals presented - Higgins Avenue bikeway: consultants proposed a two‑way, separated bikeway on the west side of Higgins to improve safety for casual cyclists. The plan uses Higgins’s wide right‑of‑way (the team cited roughly a 100‑foot ROW and a 66‑foot curb‑to‑curb corridor in places) to keep four traffic lanes while adding a separated bike facility and street‑level amenities. The team discussed protected configurations shown in examples from Cambridge, Montreal and Portland. - Broadway/West Broadway and other bike connections: the plan maps a cruciform bike network that pairs the Higgins bikeway with an East–West link along Broadway/West Broadway and connections into the riverfront trail system. - Two‑way streets: the team recommended converting Main and Front from one‑way to two‑way operations to slow traffic, improve retail visibility and reduce travel distances for motorists. Presenters argued two‑way streets are easier for visitors to navigate and can improve retail performance on streets with active storefronts. - Streetcar circulator and commuter rail: a phased streetcar route was shown as a local circulator connecting the medical center, bus transit center, retail hotspot (Main/Front) and the university; a later phase would extend farther south. Consultants also discussed a separate commuter‑rail concept (diesel commuter trains were used as an example) to link nearby regional communities into downtown.

Sustainability and practical constraints Presenters tied the circulation ideas to rising fuel costs and sustainability goals: reduced vehicle miles traveled, stronger walk/bike networks and transit choices. They acknowledged constraints: Higgins is a state highway in portions of the corridor, signal timing and intersection design would need coordination with state and regional transportation agencies, and the consultants said the team would carry further traffic engineering analysis to test lane widths, turning movements and signal phasing.

Public feedback at the workshop Table reports reflected broad support for separated bike infrastructure, two‑way streets and improved transit service; however, many attendees raised questions about cost, feasibility, parking tradeoffs, and how the proposed bikeway would tie into existing state‑controlled sections of Higgins. Several tables recommended improving bus frequency and services as an interim or complementary step to rail or streetcar investments.

Next steps Consultants said additional technical analysis (traffic engineering, parking strategy and funding scenarios) will accompany refined alternatives in future public meetings. They asked attendees to complete response sheets and noted the team will return for further rounds of outreach this summer.