Residents urge action on Main Street crosswalk safety; mayor to contact MDT

During the public-comment period on Sept. 10, Teri Gottlob told the Three Forks City Council she is concerned for pedestrian safety on Main Street/Highway 2 and that motorists frequently do not stop for people using crosswalks. She said she contacted the Montana Department of Transportation and spoke with Ace Meskimen about possible measures. "When we are at the gym, we watch people and traffic does not stop for pedestrians. I think it is getting to be rather serious," Gottlob said, and she reported having asked the Sheriff’s Department to increase patrols during the Farmer’s Market.

Jeff Gottlob added that children frequently congregate near the market and asked the council to consider lowering the posted speed limit and installing flashing signage or other alerts: "Going out of town there is a sign that is 35 mph. It’d be nice if they could change that to lower."

Council members acknowledged MDT activity in town (a street sweeper was noted) and Mayor Johnston said he would speak with Ted Jones at the Bozeman MDT office to see if changes or enhancements could be implemented "this winter for next year." The council did not take immediate formal action at the meeting but committed to follow up with MDT and public-safety partners about crosswalk repainting, signage and enforcement.

The council meeting packet and discussion also referenced Farmer’s Market parking patterns and increased truck traffic related to nearby projects as contributing factors. Residents and council members said they would like a combination of engineering changes and enforcement during market hours.