3. Request for Whitefish Stage Speed Studyu s
.} City of Kalispell Public Works Department
Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montane 59903-199 7 - Telephone (406)758-7720, Fax (406)758-7831
MEMORANDUM
.April 2004
To: Chris A. Kukulslri, City Manav>er
f-ro-n: James C. Hansz, P.E., Director of Pub is
Subject: Speed Zone Smdv On, Whitefish StaUe
Attached is The MDT reply to our requeslt (also aaached) to initiate a speed Zone -survey
for Whitefish Staec Road ilea' EdiLerion School, Please poll the City Council to determine their
2i Brest In havinu the informational meetina referredto in the lettei" from Duane Williams,
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Montana Department of Transportation David A. Galt, Director
��. 2701 Prospect Avenue Judy Martz, Governor
PO Box 201001
Helena Mt 59620-1001
April 2, 2004
James C. Hansz, P.E., Director
City of Kalispell Public Works Department
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
Subject: Speed Zone Study Request
Whitefish Stage Road - U-6728
Our office has received your request for a speed zone study on
the Whitefish Stage Road near the Edgerton School. By law the
Montana Department of Transportation must conduct an engineering
and traffic investigation prior to changing a special speed
limit.
It is our policy that all speed limit investigations be conducted
in cooperation with the local governing authority. It is also
our policy to meet with the local governing agency prior to
conducting a speed limit investigation. This meeting typically
includes the City Council and all concerned law enforcement
officers.
We realize some Council members may have attended similar
meetings in the past, and you have the right to waive it.
However, we do suggest that if there has been significant change
in Council members another meeting would be very beneficial.
To schedule a meeting or if you have any questions or comments,
please contact Doug Bailey at 444-6220. If you do not wish to
hold a meeting, we will need your written notification before we
are able to proceed with a speed zone study.
it %rw
Duane E. Williams, P.E.
Traffic Engineer
CC: Duane E. Williams, P.E., Traffic & Safety Bureau Engineer
Loran Frazier, P.E., District Administrator - Missoula
Doug Bailey, Traffic Section
Charles E. Johnson, Flathead County Road Department
An Equal Opportunity Employer
�.a
City of Kalispell Public Works Department
Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7720, Fax (406)758-7831
26 March 2004
Loran Frazier
Montana Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7039
Missoula, MT 59808
Re: Speed Zone Survey Request — Whitefish Stage Road U-6728
Dear Mr. Frazier:
Speed limits on Whitefish Stage Road near Edgerton School have recently become an issue of great
community concern. The roadway has a set limit of 45 MPH and a county set and posted school zone
limit of 25 MPH. There is some question whether the school zone limit is appropriate and properly
defined as to signage and length of zone. In order to clear these issues from the table and ensure the safety
of the children who attend the school and use the school crosswalks on Whitefish Stage road, we are
requesting a speed zone survey of the roadway. We would like this survey to establish the correct speeds,
set the proper parameters for the school speed zone and school crosswalks, and assist us to obtain the
necessary ancillary equipment, in the form of flashing lights and signage which we understand may be
available through MDT programs.
Our desire is to complete this work in time for the fall school tern. In order to facilitate this effort we are
prepared to assist your staff in any way we can to conduct this survey. I have spoken with Doug Bailey in
Helena who has been very helpful so far. We will be happy to meet with you and your staff to further
discuss the issue and identify the best way to expedite our request. In addition and for your further
information, we have been working closely with Charlie Johnson, County Road Superintendent, and
Frank Garner, Kalispell Police Chief, both of whom share our interest in resolving this matter as soon as
possible.
Please let me know what more I can do to move this matter forward to a satisfactory conclusion. The
primary point of contact within this department will be Andrew Sorensen, Associate Civil Engineer,
406.758.7727.
Sincerely,.
Iam0C. Hansz, P.E.
Director of Public Works / itv fAiRincer
cc: Chris A. Kukulski, City -Manager
Charlie Johnson, County Road Superintendent
Frank Garner, Kalispell Police Chief
ltt0102004.doc