Council OKs Lincoln Boulevard closure for Workforce Expo but limits blockade to one side

The Libby City Council voted to allow a temporary closure of Lincoln Boulevard for the Rural Northwest Montana Workforce Expo, but limited the closure to one side of the street to preserve access to nearby businesses.

Heather Newman, director of the Flathead Valley Community College Lincoln County campus and a member of the expo planning committee, told the council organizers expect 40–60 vendors and visiting high school students from several area districts and requested blocking Lincoln Avenue on both sides during setup and the event (April 21–22). "We are hoping to have 40 to 60 vendors... many of whom will be set up across Lincoln Avenue," Newman said, explaining the request was made for safety and vendor access.

Councilors raised concerns about access for Timberline Auto Center and emergency vehicles. Counselor Zimmerman proposed approving the closure on the condition that the west side of the block—from Montana to Mineral Avenue—remain open to permit access to Timberline. The motion to approve with that restriction was seconded and passed; one councilor abstained because of involvement in the project.

Newman asked whether the city would provide barricades; staff said they would coordinate logistics with the event's point of contact. The council directed staff to work with organizers to ensure emergency access and to confirm arrangements for vendor setup and barricades.

Next steps: organizers and staff will finalize barricade logistics and coordinate with Timberline Auto Center to minimize disruption during the April event.