HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-15 Wells, Public CommentFrom: M & P Wells [mwells.pwells@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 3:05 PM
To: Craig Woolard
Cc: krauss@bozeman.net; Carson Taylor; Chris Mehl; Cyndy Andrus; I-Ho Pomeroy
Subject: Kagy and Sourdough
To the Public Works Director and the Bozeman City Commissioners
I am Michael Wells. I live on Sourdough Rd about one mile south of Kagy Blvd. I noticed recently that
the City is again monitoring traffic patterns at the corner of Kagy and Sourdough. Over the last few
years, this intersection has become a hazard because of increased traffic and traffic speeds. As you
probably know, at times one might wait several minutes to cross the intersection.
It's possible you have already committed to a scheme to deal with the heavy traffic at this intersection.
Traffic signals or a roundabout are certainly standard means for dealing with this traffic control
problem.
If you have not yet committed to a means of control, I wish to make a suggestion. My approach
addresses the underlying problems of high traffic volumes on Sourdough and the unsuitability of
Sourdough/Church as a major north/south artery.
I propose eliminating through traffic on Sourdough at the Kagy intersection and allowing only right turns
onto Kagy from Sourdough Rd. Cars driving north on Sourdough would get to Main St via Kagy and
Highland. Cars going south to Gardner Park and Triple Tree could use 3rd or Highland/Kagy and turn
south at Sourdough. I believe that traffic would adjust itself to use Goldenstein, 3rd, and 19th for access
to downtown and west Bozeman.
Benefits.
1. Very low cost solution requiring only a few "right turn only" signs and painted stripes and arrows.
2. Reduced traffic on Sourdough and Church. These roads were not designed to carry today's volumes
or future inevitable increases in volume. The time to drive from south to downtown is not appreciable
reduced. I have actually measured this and at most times in the day it is faster to take Kagy/Highland to
downtown because of the difficulty crossing Kagy.
3. Increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists on Church and Sourdough resulting from a decrease in
traffic volume. Increased safety near Bogart Park, Peet's Hill, Burke Park, and the Galligator Trail.
4. Reduction or possibly elimination of accidents at the intersection.
5. No impact on emergency vehicle response. Responders could simply cross Kagy from Sourdough.
6. A significant amount traffic would be shunted to Goldenstein, 19th, Highland and 3rd. These roads
are designated and designed as major arteries.
7. Heavy truck traffic would be substantially reduced by not using Sourdough/Church. This should lead
to reduced maintenance on these roads.
Honestly, I, too, would benefit from this solution because of the reduction in traffic on Sourdough. But
this is not intended to be a selfish proposal. Clearly, there are benefits to the residents and
neighborhoods that use Sourdough Rd and to the City of Bozeman.
Thank you for reading this email and considering my suggestions.
Michael Wells
3639 Sourdough Rd
Bozeman 59715
(406) 539 9977
mwells.pwells@gmail.com<mailto:mwells.pwells@gmail.com>