Livingston staff: survey shows majority support for new grade‑separated rail crossing; commissioners direct alternatives analysis

City Manager Dan Gager presented survey results and options for rail crossing improvements and told the Livingston City Commission that residents ranked building a new grade‑separated rail crossing as their top choice.

Gager said the city received 302 survey responses, 218 of which were verified to city addresses, and that "63% of respondents ranked pursuing a new grade separated crossing as their top rank." He added that respondents north of the tracks favored a new crossing at higher rates (about 68% among verified north‑of‑tracks responders) while some south‑of‑tracks quadrants preferred improving existing crossings when ranked by point scoring.

The presentation reviewed the local history and funding context: a 2008 voter‑approved temporary levy was collected and used for design work and an acquisition; a 2021 ballot measure for $20 million in general obligation bonds to construct a grade separation was rejected. Gager said recent comparable projects statewide typically range from $20 million to $30 million, with some alternatives near $50 million. He described a locally financed scenario for a $25 million general obligation bond as having about $2.2 million in annual debt service, which would translate to roughly $72.96 in property tax per $100,000 of assessed value (about $219 annually on a $300,000 home).

Gager also outlined smaller, locally feasible options: Bennett Street improvements could be as little as about $100,000 and up to $1,000,000 depending on scope, with a one‑time property tax impact estimated at about $32.66 per $100,000 of assessed value for a $1,000,000 local project. He said the city has appropriated over $1,000,000 in the transportation impact fee fund that could be used for study and that staff anticipates pursuing alternatives analysis and a request for proposals (RFP) if the commission directs it.

Public commenters urged the commission to consider an alternative site connecting Northern Lights Boulevard to U.S. Highway 10 (a position supported by local contractors and residents who cited lower cost estimates and wildfire evacuation benefits). Patricia (204 East Calendar Street) referenced a prior cost analysis that listed an estimate near $9.32 million for a Northern Lights option and emphasized emergency‑evacuation benefits for the Star subdivision.

Commission reaction and next steps

Commissioners asked technical and process questions about survey representativeness, mailing and outreach options, whether previous 2008 design plans remain available (staff said paper and USB copies are on file), and whether funding for study or design was already budgeted. Several commissioners expressed support for starting a location assessment and alternatives analysis; Vice Chair Willich and others urged recruiting more survey respondents before final site selection.

By the end of discussion commissioners gave staff direction to: (1) develop a scope and issue an RFP for an alternatives analysis and site feasibility study for a grade‑separated crossing; and (2) continue negotiations with BNSF and the Montana Department of Transportation on lower‑cost improvements such as Bennett Street work tied to the upcoming wellness center. Gager said staff expects to put an RFP on the street and bring an award recommendation to the commission by May.

What the commission and public should expect next

Staff said the state‑led Bennett Street / 5th Street work remains on a separate schedule (state construction was described as likely in 2028–29) and that quiet‑zone work or locally requested features could create modest local costs. If the commission proceeds with a ballot measure for a locally funded grade separation, the city would need a locally preferred alternative and voter approval for general obligation debt.