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Belgrade staff backs ‘mini-roundabout’ on Broadway at Main; BNSF coordination, parking loss and drainage are top concerns
Summary
Public Works proposes a mini-roundabout (roughly 110-foot diameter) at Broadway/Main after MDT alternatives analysis; staff said the design improves pedestrian space but would affect about 30–35 parking spaces, requires BNSF approvals and storm-drain solutions, and aims for construction around 2027 if approvals proceed.
Public Works presented the Montana Department of Transportation alternatives analysis for the Broadway at Main intersection and recommended a mini-roundabout alternative as the best balance of traffic performance and pedestrian improvements.
Camry, a public-works staff member, said the proposed mini-roundabout—about 110 feet in diameter—would shift intersection geometry to the south, increasing sidewalk widths in some locations to as much as 8–10 feet and creating opportunities for landscaping and downtown improvements. The design will include a truck apron sized for large WB‑67 tractor-trailers so semis can traverse the intersection when necessary.
The trade-offs: staff estimated about 30–35 parking spaces would be affected (roughly eight in the adjacent city lot and the rest on-street). BNSF will be a major stakeholder: staff said the property impacts are primarily on BNSF-owned land and that a BNSF project manager has been assigned and appears supportive of the selected alternative, but BNSF’s approval of plan sets is required before finalizing the schedule.
Drainage and railroad interactions: MDT’s typical ditch-based drainage approach presents challenges in this downtown location. Staff said they are exploring an underground chamber down Main Street—possibly under the parking lot—to avoid tearing up the main road surface, and flagged the need for gated pedestrian crossings and potential quiet-crossing design elements for future quiet-crossing eligibility.
Schedule and next steps: staff described the design as roughly 60% complete and said the team is working to accelerate the project to avoid simultaneous major projects (notably Belgrade Urban). Staff discussed a target construction year in the 2027 timeframe if BNSF and MDT approvals align. The council asked for the design exhibits; staff offered to provide MDT’s full report and the design exhibits to the council.
No formal council vote took place at the workshop; staff recommended continued coordination with MDT, BNSF and downtown parking plans.
