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Belgrade staff to deploy downtown safety demonstration after SS4A outreach
Summary
City staff said they will install temporary curb bulb-outs, high-visibility crosswalk markings and sharrows on Main Street in early June under an SS4A-funded demonstration, then evaluate results with video and public feedback to inform permanent changes.
City staff told the Belgrade City Council that the city's Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant-funded safety action plan is roughly 60% complete and that a separate downtown demonstration project will deploy low-risk, temporary traffic-calming features in early June.
The demonstration, developed with Kittleson & Associates, will install temporary curb bulb-outs at seven Main Street crossings, enhanced pavement markings (continental crosswalks), signage and sharrows to improve bicycle and pedestrian visibility. Staff said installations will remain through the summer and be removed before winter to accommodate snow maintenance per an agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation.
The project will be evaluated with before-and-after video analysis, radar counts of vehicle speeds and volumes, and public feedback gathered through outreach. Staff reported that roughly 60% of respondents to their recent survey said they do not feel safe crossing Main Street; the demonstration aims to reduce that number and inform longer-term roadway design.
Council members asked about rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs); staff said Belgrade already has a few RRFBs at school crossings and that Oregon and Main Street is a candidate for such a device within a separate project scope. No public comments were offered on the demonstration at the meeting.
No formal action was required; staff said they will return in June with suggested safety goals for council consideration as part of the safety action plan process.
