URA approves $46,856.96 for downtown intersection pilot after detailed planning discussion

The Livingston City Urban Renewal Agency voted to provide direct funding for temporary intersection safety and placemaking treatments downtown, approving a request not to exceed $46,856.96 to purchase materials and install pilot improvements recommended by the Western Transportation Institute (WTI).

Miss Severson and planning staff described the project as a pilot implementation of several recommendations from the downtown master plan adopted in late 2024. The pilot aims to test treatments that slow vehicle turning movements and improve safety and “placemaking” at selected intersections without removing on‑street parking. Designs include self‑watering planter boxes, benches and low‑profile bollards intended to be temporary, reusable and moved between locations. WTI will assist with design, a before/after evaluation and a public survey after installations.

Board members raised questions about data collection and durability. Several asked whether radar speed data would be collected; staff reported WTI initially considered radar but judged it costly and possibly less useful downtown, and said the consultant planned counts, surveys and an outcome report. Commissioners asked whether planters and bollards would be durable enough for reuse; staff said shipping and materials increased costs but argued the materials chosen are appropriate for reuse and that the planning budget covered the consultant contract while URA funds would buy the hardware.

Members also discussed timing and logistics: staff said installations were anticipated in late June with removal in September, and public works would coordinate placement to preserve garbage and delivery access. Several commissioners suggested piloting a single intersection first to learn before deploying multiple sites; staff said that approach is possible but the current plan prioritized several intersections identified during a recent walk audit.

A motion approved funding not to exceed $46,856.96 for intersection safety and mobility pilot materials, with staff to manage procurement, work with public works on installation sequencing and coordinate WTI’s evaluation and outreach. The motion also instructs staff to confirm eligible expenses and consult with the city manager and finance director on reimbursement and accounting.

The consultant named in discussion, Western Transportation Institute of Montana State University, will prepare a post‑pilot report including public survey results and suggested next steps.

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