HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-21 Public Comment - D. Kack - Kagy Blvd ExpansionFrom: dwkack@aol.com
To: Agenda
Subject: [SENDER UNVERIFIED]Kagy Discussion and Decision
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2021 7:14:36 AM
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Commissioners,
If the reporting of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle this morning is correct, and that there
was a vote to continue with the Kagy Boulevard project as is currently being
designed, then I am truly disappointed. There are several items that I believe are still
unclear regarding the project, and some of those issues are as follows:
1. It was my understanding that this was a “work session” item, therefore no votes
could be taken on the matter. You are obviously better informed on this matter
than I am, so perhaps my understanding of when a vote can be taken by the
Commission is misinformed.
2. The renderings of what the potential tunnels would look like appear to be
misleading, as it is my understanding that the road/roundabouts will not be
raised. Therefore, the road will stay at its current grade, while the tunnels will go
under the road/intersection. In previous discussions, one reason for not having
such a crossing at mid-block by the MSU Stadium was the cost of such a
tunnel. At the time, the discussion was that the road would be raised nearly six
feet, while the tunnel would be dug down nearly six feet for adequate space.
Again, I have not seen anything that the road/intersections will be raised,
therefore, the pedestrian tunnels will not be as indicated in the presentation.
3. HAWK beacons will be required at the multi-lane roundabouts (as shown in
scematics on the MDT site for this project), which means that pedestrians will
be able to cross at grade, and therefore can interrupt the flow of traffic. If
pedestrians do not feel safe using the tunnels, they will cross at grade, meaning
money was spent on a feature (the tunnels) that will not be used, and traffic will
be interrupted.
4. The cost comparison is confusing, as in my opinion, only limited work needs to
be done between 11th
and Willson/S 3rd
, other than perhaps a mill & overlay.
The mid-block HAWK beacon by the Stadium will be in place this summer, as
well as the signal work at 11th
& Kagy. The only “work” that needs to be done is
from 11th
to 19th
, ensuring a center turn lane, as well as adequate bike & ped
facilities. That should cost less than $8 million, leaving savings of nearly $9
million. I do not remember the figures exactly, but I beleive that there can be
substantial savings on a revised Kagy Boulevard project.
5. I did not see an adequate discussion of an analysis of emissions. It was
acknowledged that building a wider road would grow traffic through this corridor.
However, numbers were not shown to indicate that reducing congestion would
save more green house gas emissions compared to inducing more traffic.
6. During the presentation, it was noted that motorists do not seem to mind the
limited congestion that occurs on Kagy. However, it appears that the decision is
that we need to build a much larger roadway because of the potential for future
congestion. If people don't mind the limited congestion that occurs, why then are
we building a larger road?
I realize that I may not have all the information you have, as I am only able to go on
the information from the presentation. Due to the nature and cost of the project, I am
hopeful that you will take the time to examine this project before making a decision to
move ahead with the design as presented, because as noted above, I beleive that
there are still significant questions to be answered.
Thank you for your time, and for your work on behalf of the City of Bozeman.
Sincerely,
David Kack
1107 Pinnacle Star Street
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-522-7579