MDT Process-Coordination-Letter-Tronstad-Meadows_100824
Rail, Transit and Planning Division
Phone: (406) 444–3423
Fax: (406) 444–7671
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Toll–free: (800) 714–7296
TTY: (800) 335–7592
Web Page: www.mdt.mt.gov
2701 Prospect ▪ PO Box 201001
Helena MT 59620-1001
Christopher Dorrington, Director
October 9, 2024
City of Kalispell
Attn: City Council
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
Subject: Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossings Subdivision
Dear City of Kalispell Council Members,
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has drafted this letter to the City of Kalispell
Council upon request by the developer of Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossings Subdivision.
The developer has proposed a residential project on approximately 110 acres of property located
east of Highway 93 and along the north side of Tronstad Road in Kalispell, Montana.
To mitigate the impacts from traffic generated by this proposed development at the intersection of
US 93 and Tronstad Road MDT has conceptually agreed to the following improvements:
Required improvements will be the installation of the traffic signal and any needed ADA or
pedestrian facilities at the intersection of Tronstad Road and Highway 93. MDT considers the
proposed improvements as permittable actions in MDT right of way. MDT is also open to partial
signal installation (signal infrastructure – including all components except the poles, arms and signal
heads, realignment of lanes, turn lanes, etc.) by the developer to full signal installation following MDT
practices and procedures, and with additional coordination with MDT.
The developer will design and prepare construction plans for these improvements and construct
these improvements. The developer will continue to work through MDT System Impact Action Policy
Coordinator to conduct the review and approval of these design plans as well as obtain any permits
required from MDT. MDT will coordinate with the developer and the City of Kalispell to approve these
plans. Furthermore, MDT agrees to participate in the cost of realigning the left turn lanes on Highway
93 at the Tronstad Road intersection.
Final approval of these plans and the associated permit(s) is expected by MDT. Construction of the
signal improvements will be guaranteed financially by an agreement between the developer and
MDT. We hope that this letter will be accepted by the Council and provide sufficient assurances
regarding MDT permits to allow the developer to satisfy the City of Kalispell’s conditions of approval
for the developer’s project.
MDT understands the importance of developing additional housing in the City of Kalispell, Flathead
County and the State of Montana. To that end, MDT is interested in partnering with the City of
Kalispell, Flathead County and neighboring communities to develop a plan for MDT roadways in the
Greater Kalispell Area. This would include intersection locations, intersection control types and how
Rail, Transit and Planning Division
Phone: (406) 444–3423
Fax: (406) 444–7671
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Toll–free: (800) 714–7296
TTY: (800) 335–7592
Web Page: www.mdt.mt.gov
access to MDT Highways will be administered. This plan would provide future developers with clear
expectations for access to MDT Highways.
Brittany Cotton is available for any questions you may have regarding MDT permits and the SIAP
Process, she can be reached at (406) 444-6126 or bcotton@mt.gov. I am available for any questions
you may have and can be reached at (406) 250-0608.
Sincerely,
Bob Vosen, P.E.
Missoula District Administrator
copies: Dwane Kailey, P.E. Chief Operating Officer
Rob Stapley, Planning Division District Administrator
Joel Boucher, P.E., Missoula Preconstruction
Justun Juelfs, Kalispell Area Maintenance Chief
Rebecca Anderson, P.E., Kalispell Area Traffic Engineer
Stan Brelin, P.E., Traffic Operations Engineer
Brittany Cotton, SIAP Coordinator
LeRoy Wosoba, SIAP Section Supervisor