HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-19 Public Comment - M. Wells - Traffic and Congestion at Kagy and Sourdough IntersectionFrom:M & P Wells
To:Agenda
Subject:Kagy/Sourdough options
Date:Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7:45:53 PM
To the City Commission
I sent this note to Commissioner Cunningham in two installments on your website as is too
long for your format. I'm not sure he will receive both portions.
Would you be so kind to deliver this to Commissioner Cunningham and cc's to the other CityCommissioners.
Thank you.
Michael Wells here. I live on Sourdough Rd between Kagy and Goldenstein. I, too, am
concerned about traffic and congestion at the Kagy/Sourdough intersection.
I was surprised to read in this morning's Chronicle that MDT has decided to add a traffic lightat that intersection. This concerns me. The Transportation Master Plan describes three
possible options for the intersection: traffic light; roundabout; and restricted turningmovements. I actually proposed the restricted turning option several years ago and was
pleased to find it in the Master Plan.
I fear that a traffic light will cause problems of pollution, noise, congestion, and seriouslydegrade the quality of life and property values for the residents living near the intersection.
For the same estimated cost, $2.85M (2017), wouldn't a roundabout make more sense? Asyou must know, roundabouts ease the traffic flow, reduce congestion, and accidents.
According to a Washington State DOT report on roundabouts(https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Safety/roundabouts/benefits.htm): they are safer than signal
controlled intersections, reduce delay, improve traffic flow, and are less expensive long term.
My preference is for the reduced turning option. At a proposed cost (2017) of only $100,000,it would mitigate most of the traffic flow problems at Kagy and Sourdough. Would folks who
regularly use Kagy/Sourdough/Church complain? Of course. They will also complain aboutspending $3M on a signal or roundabout. The reduced turn option will lessen traffic on
Church from Kagy to Main. This stretch of road is already too busy and dangerous because oflack of shoulders, speeding, and reduced visibility. Traffic from Sourdough to the Kagy
intersection and on to Main will be routed along Kagy and onto Highland past the hospital. Ihave timed this route and it takes at most one minute longer to Main than driving north on
Church. It is also safer. Other traffic from south of Kagy will make better use of Goldenstein,Graff, 11th, or 19th to get to MSU or west Bozeman.
Finally, if the City seriously upgrades the Kagy/Sourdough intersection with a signal or
roundabout, you can be certain that the next push will be for widening, straightening, andimproving Church and Sourdough from Main to Goldenstein. This would not be an affordable
option.
Thank you for giving thought to my concerns and suggestions.
Michael WellsSourdough Rd
Bozeman 59715