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County opens hearing on permanent 15 mph school zone for Potomac Elementary
Summary
The board opened a hearing to consider establishing a permanent 15 mph school‑zone speed limit on portions of Potomac Road and all of Potomac Loop; the school and residents cited frequent student and community use and inconsistent existing signage. A final hearing and vote were scheduled for later in April.
Missoula County commissioners voted to open a public hearing on a request to establish a permanent 15 mph school zone on portions of Potomac Road and all of Potomac Loop serving Potomac Elementary School.
Public Works representative Eric Dixon described inconsistent existing signage and explained that state law requires coordination with the school district to establish school‑zone speed limits. Dr. Emily Salih, Potomac’s principal and superintendent, and Justin Iverson, a school facilities manager, explained that the school uses the community center for breakfast, lunch, assemblies and athletics, resulting in student crossings throughout the day and use of adjacent recreational facilities year‑round.
Multiple local residents said vehicles frequently 'fly' around a 90‑degree corner on Potomac Loop, cited accidents and damaged vehicles, and urged the board to adopt consistent 15 mph signage to improve safety and enable enforcement. Commissioners set a schedule for follow‑up hearings, with the final hearing and vote to occur later in April as announced during the meeting.
The hearing was opened for the record so staff can accept additional written comments and prepare materials for the final hearing and vote.
