HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-17 Public Comment - J. Riley (MDT) - North Park Urban Renewal District and Plan M Montana Department of Transportation Michael T. Tooley, Director
2701 Prospect Avenue Steve Bullock, Governor
PO Box 201001
Helena MT 59620-1001 0
Aq Ark September 21,2017 ':..j
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Attn: City Commission
City Clerk's Office
City Hall,Suite 202
121 N.Route Ave
Bozeman,MT 59771
Subject: North Park Urban Renewal District and Plan
MDT comments
Dear Commissioners,
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Staff understands the Bozeman City
Commission is holding a public hearing on the Bozeman North Park Urban Renewal District
and Plan,October 2017 on September 25, 2017. MDT staff has reviewed the plan and has
the following comments concerning the potential future access points to the North Park
Area on page 15.
The MDT staff previously met with the City of Bozeman staff and Montana Rail Link
concerning access points to this property. We have provided information on options for
access to the property that are allowed and prevent future safety and operational issues.
The comments provided below are for each option as provided in the plan.
• A redesign oft-90/North.19thAvenue off-ramp and interchange.
MDT has explained to make any modifications to the I-90 off-ramp or interchange
will require a break in Interstate Full Access control. As this property is serviced by
other public roads,this will not meet the FHWA requirements for a break in the
access control.
• An 1-90 Overpass from Mandeville Lane to Baxter Lane at the southwest corner of the
North Park Area.
With the new development on Baxter Lane this option may no-longer be viable.
MDT would prefer the language to state that a grade separated crossing instead of
"Overpass"this would allow for more flexibility.
• An 1-90 Overpass from Carton Lane/Deadman's Gulch Court to the Red Wing
Drive/Flora Lane Intersection at North 7thAvenue.
Again,MDT would prefer the language to state that a grade separated crossing
instead of"Overpass"this would allow for more flexibility. The actual location of
the Red Wing Drive/Flora Lane Intersection at North 7th Avenue must be approved
by MDT. MDT has previously discussed possible locations for this intersection with
Bozeman Economic Development staff. If this option is pursued,MDT will review
the location for safety and operation of the State Highway System.
• Asignalized intersection oat North 7thAvenue intersection with Red Wing Drive/Flora
Lane. Might include widening of the overpass and traffic controls.
Again,the actual location of the Red Wing.Drive/Flora Lane Intersection at North
71h Avenue must be approved by MDT. MDT has previously discussed possible
Planning 8.Policy Analysis Bureau An Equal Opportunity Employer Rail,Transit and Planning Division
Phone:(406)444-3423 TTY. (800)335 7592
Fax: (406)444-7671 Web Page: www.mdt.mt.gov
locations for this intersection with Bozeman Economic Development staff. If this
option is pursued, MDT will review the location for safety and operation of the State
Highway System.
• A signalized railroad crossing at the northwest corner of the North Park area. The
existing crossing is an agricultural-use type, which is unimproved, uncontrolled and
at-grad. The 2012 estimate for a Railroad Crossing Signal was$100,000. However,
any improvements to the railroad crossing would probably have to include
improvements to the intersection on the Frontage Road such as a traffic signal,
medians,and lanes for stacking and/or turning.
MDT and MRL have provided comments concerning this proposed crossing. The
railroad is very close to the highway. As there is not sufficient room for vehicle
stacking,both MDT and MRL are not in favor of this access. The modification of the
access could result in relocation of the highway or a grade separated railroad
crossing. Both will result in additional right-of-way on the north side of the
frontage road. All costs would be bore by the development.
In general, any options that impact,access or modify state highways will require review and
approval from MDT. MDT staff will participate as needed/requested as this project moves
forward.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the North Park Urban Renewal District Plan.
If you have any questions,concerning MDT's comments,please contact me at(406)444-
94S6 or email at jriley@mt.gov.
S' erely,
Jean A. Riley, P.E.
Transportation Planning Engineer
Policy, Program&Performance Analysis Bureau
Copies:Jeff Ebert, P.E.-Butte District Administrator
Jim Skinner-Policy, Program&Performance Analysis Bureau Chief
Kyle Demars-Bozeman Maintenance Chief
Nick Bailey- MRL
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