City Manager to MDOT - Traffic Signal at Kelly Rd & Hwy 93City of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7700 Fax (406)758-7758
January 3, 2005
James Skinner
Montana Department of Transportation
PO Box 201001
Helena MT 59620-1001
RE: Traffic Signal at Kelly Rd. and US Hwy 93 Intersection, Kalispell Montana
Dear Mr. Skinner,
Murcon Development, Inc. and their engineer, Schwarz Architecture and Engineering,
recently updated the City on their current effort to create anew commercial subdivision near the
City airport. This subdivision will utilize the intersection of Kelly Road and US Hwy 93 as its
primary ingress/egress point. As you know, the Kelly Road/US 93 intersection was recently
improved during the reconstruction of US 93. This reconstruction project was undertaken with
many goals in mind; among these were improved traffic safety and mobility along this busy
corridor into the City. One of the City's parallel goals was to create a new roadway environment
that would encourage a change in the character and quality of development on US 93. The
Murcon Development project is very desirable for achieving this goal and we support it
wholeheartedly, while at the same time recognizing it may have a significant impact on traffic at
the intersection.
It is my understanding that the developer has submitted a traffic impact study of this
project for MDT review. From my staff s conversation with you, I understand that this
information may not be complete or current to include details of the Murcon project.. We
understand that the information provided thus far relates only to the original proposal to
construct a new west -side frontage road intersecting at Kelly which would serve properties south
of the intersection. We realize that information about the Murcon commercial subdivision and
its traffic impact is of critical importance and will ask Murcon to provide this data and discuss its
implications with you as soon as possible. It is also my understanding that the developer has
moved ahead with plans for a signal in anticipation of a favorable review by MDT. They have
hired Perteet Engineering to perform the signal design and they arranged to have Pavlik Electric
install control loops during the highway reconstruction.
The developer has stated several companies are interested in purchasing and building
within this new commercial subdivision. Their interest is contingent upon the Department of
Transportation's approval of a traffic signal. Although we have not reviewed the traffic impact
data, we are confident that continued growth at this intersection will adequately justify the need
for a new signal at this location. I want you to know that the City of Kalispell fully supports the
installation of a signal at the intersection of Kelly Road and US 93 that is in full compliance with
MDT's requirements.
As I indicated,, we will contact the developer to encourage their speedy delivery of any
additional data that is needed for your analysis. Please let me know what more we can do to
facilitate your review and to hopefully obtain a favorable decision for a new signal. We would
very much like to see this worthwhile development project move forward as soon as possible. I
can be contacted at (406) 758-7703 or by e-mail at Watrick La)kalis-pell.com. Your assistance in
this matter is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
ames H.
City Manager
cc: Murcon Development Inc.
James C. Hansz, Public Works Director/City Engineer