1. Flathead County Courthouse Traffic DesignM_`
City of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903
Telephone: (406) 758-7701 Fax: (406) 758-7758
MONTANA
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Johnson and City Council
From: Doug Russell, City Manager /
Re: Flathead County Courthouse Traffic Design
Meeting Date: August 11, 2014
BACKGROUND: Recent reports indicate the Department of Transportation is reviewing the
traffic and design on Highway 93 around the county courthouse. While it appears to be fairly
early in the process, there has been concern expressed regarding the final outcome of any
potential modifications and how that could impact the traffic system in downtown Kalispell, and
correspondingly, the downtown business operations.
The Kalispell Planning Department is currently in the process of a conducting a downtown
planning effort whereas the concerns of traffic and parking have been respective topics of
discussion. While that effort is currently underway, it is important to begin discussing these
concerns as the traffic design around the Courthouse leads directly into the downtown area.
At a previous meeting, the City Council expressed interest in this topic and a desire to discuss it
at a work session, recognizing the design will be a significant component of the downtown traffic
pattern.
At the work session on Monday night, the planning department will present information related
to the traffic design and different perspectives on the issue from various interested parties, and
entertain questions from Council. It is anticipated there will be a follow-up meeting to discuss
the issue further as we attempt to find solutions that meet the interest of all parties involved.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council review and discuss the traffic
design on Highway 93 at the Flathead County Courthouse.