Residents press MDT for interim safety fixes at Silos after recent crashes

Residents told commissioners and MDT on Jan. 16 that safety problems on the stretch of US 12/US 287 near the Silos require quicker interim action. Doug Thompson, who said he is a longtime resident and retired ER provider, recounted experience treating crash victims and urged immediate installation of flashing warning lights, adjustments to approach angles and other lower-cost mitigations rather than waiting for multi-year construction projects.

Other speakers, including David Flasky and business owner JB Hellick, described heavy traffic, multiple near misses and concerns about the timeline for full reconstruction. Al Christopherson, who prepared written comments, argued that converting large sections to five lanes could raise speeds and recommended considering speed reductions, flashing beacons, stoplights or underpasses in high-conflict areas.

MDT staff acknowledged the public’s concerns, said the agency will evaluate signage and no-passing stripe warrants and noted that maintenance crews can apply striping and signs quickly if warranted; they also said a formal safety analysis under HSIP will follow once Montana Highway Patrol crash reports are finalized. MDT staff described their safety-review process as using up to 10 years of crash data for network reviews and shorter windows (three to five years) for project-specific recommendations.

Residents pushed for transparency about crash analyses; MDT said detailed internal safety analyses are not routinely public because of legal precedents but will provide project-attached summaries when available. Commissioners and Great West encouraged residents to submit personalized letters supporting grant or project efforts and to participate in upcoming public involvement opportunities.