HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-21 Public Comment - N. Drew - RR Crossing & 21337From:Nicholas DrewTo:Agenda; Ross Knapper; Jennifer Madgic; Cyndy Andrus; I-Ho Pomeroy; Christopher Coburn; Terry Cunningham; Jill MillerSubject:Railroad Crossing and #21337Date:Tuesday, December 14, 2021 10:36:56 PMAttachments:Video.mov
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Dear Commissioners,
I would like address the issue of blocked railroad crossing and emergency services/response times for residents in northeastern portions of Bozeman.
I believe the attached video will show how important the need is for increased infrastructure (i.e. overpass and/or underpass) in relation to railroad crossings on L, Rouse and Griffen prior to any further development in the area northeast of Bozeman.
The video was recorded on Friday, December 10, 2021 at approximately 11:20 am and is a perfect example of the risk to residents in this part of the city every day. While in my car, in the line of traffic waiting on a train that was stopped and blocking the intersection on Rouse. I witnessed an ambulance with lights and siren make a right turn on Rouse from Griffin. Since this train was blocking all the intersections that allow access to the hospital (Griffin, L and Rouse) it proceeded to wait at the Rouse intersection for a crucial 10-15 min until the train could be cleared.
I bring this to your attention as development occurs northeast of these railroad crossings. Specifically, adding additional high density development on Rouse/Bridger (as proposed in the Canyon Gate development) would greatly confound this issue and put additional residents at higher risk. I understand that the response time is at best 20 minutes, without the train. This video is a perfect example of the risk that these city residents face every day.
Imagine if your spouse, child, mother, father or even yourself we’re in that ambulance needing life saving care only to be blocked by a stopped train. I implore you to take these, what could be life and death decisions, into consideration and work with city engineers to address this issue prior to allowing any further development.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Sincerely,
Nicholas Drew
1394 Boylan RoadBozeman, MT 59715