HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-26 Public Comment - T. Eastwood - UDC Suggested Revisions - Section 38.710.050.A.11From:Thomas Eastwood
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC Suggested Revisions - Section 38.710.050.A.11
Date:Tuesday, March 3, 2026 7:13:40 PM
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In application of the updated UDC as a practitioner, I came across some elements that
present suggested revisions. Specifically, the following elements have been noted:
Section 38.710.050.A.11.g.(h) Crash Study:
The aggregate number of crashes can readily be obtained from available Montana
Department of Transportation (MDT) data and crash rates can be calculated with
available traffic volume data. Specific information on collision types and
contributing factors requires obtaining the detailed crash data from MDT or police
reports, which may not always be released due to legal reasons. The data request
creates an additional burden for the limited MDT staff and can cause lengthy
project delays to obtain. It is suggested that the more detailed data be obtained,
analyzed, and included where crash rates equal or exceed the expected rate as
determined from safety analyses performed in accordance with the most current
edition of the Highway Safety Manual.
Section 38.710.050.A.11.g.(i) Site operational analysis:
While a traffic impact study should identify any proposed modification to access
spacing, the demonstration of turning movements for fire apparatus and/or other
applicable design vehicles is a site design element and should be included with
the submitted site plan design documents. Often, the transportation engineer
does not have access to the CAD files for a site design or the project is simply in
the planning stages. The transportation engineer can recommend appropriate
design vehicles based on known or anticipated land uses, but the architect(s) and
engineer(s) responsible for the site design and construction drawings should be
responsible for demonstrating that their design accommodates those vehicles.
It is suggested to revise this Section to limit its scope to identification of any
proposed modification to on-site circulation or site access(es) and
recommendations for clear vision zones.
Section 38.710.050.A.11.g.(k) The information needed to demonstrate proposed
compliance with 38.780.
As a traffic impact study (TIS) is completed ahead of installation of physical
improvements, typically during the entitlement phase, this section does not
seem appropriate to be and would not normally be included with a TIS. It is
suggested that this Section be removed as it will be applied at the time of
submittal or prior to approval of construction documents.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Tom Eastwood, PE, PTOE – Owner
619 Milestone Drive
Belgrade, MT 59714406.209.3960 | teastwood@e5engineeringpllc.com