HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-21 Public Comment - M. Wells - KagyFrom:M & P Wells
To:Agenda; Terry Cunningham; Cyndy Andrus; Christopher Coburn; Jennifer Madgic; I-Ho Pomeroy
Subject:Kagy/Sourdough intersection
Date:Thursday, July 1, 2021 11:15:43 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Commissioners and Mayor
Michael Wells here (again!). I live on Sourdough Rd between Kagy and Goldenstein.
Almost two years ago the MDT proposed adding a traffic light at the Kagy/Sourdough intersection. This
concerns me. The Transportation Master Plan describes three possible options for the intersection: traffic
light; roundabout; and restricted turning movements.
Please reconsider the roundabout option. A traffic light will cause problems of pollution, noise,
congestion, and seriously degrade the quality of life and property values for the residents living near theintersection. For the same or less cost, wouldn't a roundabout make more sense? As you must know,roundabouts ease traffic flow and reduce congestion and accidents. According to a Washington StateDOT 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.
Please check out the roundabout recently built for Costco at Catron and Max. It has a very small
footprint, cost little compared to a signal, and seems to handle the peak traffic smoothly. Also, check out
the roundabout at Stucky and Cottonwood. It, too, has a small footprint and handles traffic approaching
at 40-45 mph.
One concern with building a roundabout at Kagy and Sourdough is the roadway grade on Kagy. The US
DOT informational guide on roundabout design(https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/00067/000676.pdf)
suggests that roundabouts in locations where grades through the intersection are greater than fourpercent are generally not desirable. However, "the roundabout should not necessarily be eliminatedfrom consideration at such a location." By locating the roundabout slightly east of the currentintersection, it should be possible to reduce the grade on Kagy west of Sourdough to less than fourpercent.
Thank you for giving thought to my concerns and responding to my suggestions.
Michael Wells
3639 Sourdough Rd
Bozeman, MT
406-539-9977