MDT presents US-93 Paulson-to-Summers corridor study and 411-access access-management plan to Flathead County

Montana Department of Transportation staff and consultants from Robert Peccia & Associates presented a draft corridor study and a companion access management plan for U.S. 93 between Polson and Summers at the Flathead County commissioners' Sept. 4 meeting.

Project manager Sarah Nikolai described two primary objectives: improve safety (reduce fatalities and serious injuries related to animal-vehicle conflicts, roadside hazards and vehicle conflicts) and improve corridor operations (accommodate present and future travel demand, maintain appropriate property access and improve pedestrian and bicycle access). The team flagged a set of spot improvements in Lakeside (Blacktail Road / Stoner Loop intersection and Adams Street intersection) and at the northern study limit near Montana 82; they also proposed corridor-wide measures such as passing lanes in selected locations, shoulder widening, rumble strips and rockfall-hazard mitigation.

Consultants emphasized the access management plan is guidance rather than a funded construction program; it includes an appendix and 51 plan sheets with recommendations for 411 accesses. The public-review period for the draft reports is open through Sept. 19; certified mailings were sent to property owners and MDT will convene the advisory committee and finalize the study in October. Commissioners asked whether the study considered areas beyond the highway right of way; presenters said the plan focuses on MDT ROW but considers adjacent frontage and that any improvements beyond MDT jurisdiction would require coordination and potentially local contributions. Presenters reiterated no state or federal construction funding is dedicated for implementing the plan at this time.