Pedestrian Safety Concern – Sidewalk Request on Sunset Blvd (US-93, Ward 2) follow up Public Comment from Brandon Ronning Aimee Brunckhorst
From: Brandon Ronning <bronning2042@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 11:04 AM
To: Jarod Nygren
Cc: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment; Chad Fincher; Nelson Loring
Subject: Re: EXTERNAL Pedestrian Safety Concern - Sidewalk Request on Sunset Blvd (US-93,
Ward 2)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hi Jarod,
Thank you for the information and for your quick reply. I am glad to see the city government showing
interest in the needs of the people and prioritizing safety in this area.
It is encouraging to hear that preliminary designs are underway and that the city is actively pursuing
grant opportunities through the Montana Department of Transportation. I hope the application for the
Fiscal 27 cycle is successful.
Best regards,
Brandon Ronning
On Tue,Apr 28, 2026 at 10:50 AM Jarod Nygren <jnygren@kalispell.com>wrote:
Good Morning Brandon,
This section of sidewalk has long been a council priority for many of the reasons you provided.Accordingly,
the council previously budgeted for preliminary designs of this section that could be used for grant
opportunities.Specifically,the city will use the completed preliminary design and cost estimates to apply
for the Montana Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Grant Program,as the road is
part of the highway system.The Transportation Grant Program is competitive and there is limited funding
available, but we are hopeful to be successful during the states next round in Fiscal 27.
Jarod Nygren
City Manager
From: Brandon Ronning <bronning2042@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 9:55 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment <publiccomment@kalispell.com>
Subject: EXTERNAL Pedestrian Safety Concern-Sidewalk Request on Sunset Blvd (US-93, Ward 2)
Hello,
i
I am a resident in Ward 2 and I'm writing to raise a pedestrian safety concern and request
consideration for a sidewalk along the northbound side of Sunset Blvd (US-93).
The specific stretch is between:
48012'27.9"N 114019'17.5"W
and
48012'31.6"N 114019'25.5"W
This section runs alongside the golf course and currently has no dedicated pedestrian space.
I've attached three photos and a video showing the current conditions.As you'll see, pedestrians
are forced to walk very close to traffic with little to no shoulder, and visibility becomes especially
poor at night.
I believe this is an important location to address for several reasons:
• It serves as a connection between downtown and Logan Health,the primary hospital in our
community
• The speed limit in this area is 45 mph,which creates a high-risk environment for anyone on
foot
• The lack of lighting and separation from traffic makes it particularly dangerous after dark
This corridor seems like a key gap in pedestrian infrastructure, especially given how important it is
for accessing healthcare and moving between parts of the city.
I understand US-93 is a state highway, but I'm hoping the City can help advocate for this
improvement with the Montana Department of Transportation or consider opportunities for
partnership or future planning.
I would appreciate any information on whether this area has been reviewed before, and whether it
could be considered for future safety improvements.
Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Brandon Ronning
605-216-8689
bronning2042@gmail.com
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Brandon Ronning
605-216-8689
bronning2042@gmail.com
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