Funding Awarded to Improve Safety on Bozeman’s West Side Trail
The City of Bozeman, GVLT, and Western Transportation Institute (WTI) announced in February that $167,000 in funding has been awarded for a proposal they jointly submitted to the Transportation Alternatives Program. The program is funded through the Montana Department of Transportation by the Federal Highway Administration.
The funding will be used to improve crossings on the popular 2.5-mile West Side Trail, which connects Bozeman Pond Park to Gallatin County Regional Park. The proposal was ranked 3rd out of 38 proposals statewide.
Funding will allow the City of Bozeman to improve safety and accessibility at the West Side Trail’s busiest crossings on major road ways, including Durston Road, Babcock Street, and Oak Street. The trail is used by neighborhoods as a safe route to school for Hyalite Elementary, Emily Dickinson Elementary, and Chief Joseph Middle School, as well as linking major community parks and neighborhood destinations.
The road crossing improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other trail users. Some of the improvements include improved crossing signage, advanced warning lights, mid-block crossings with pedestrian refuge islands, and curb ramps.
“The City of Bozeman is committed to improving our pedestrian facilities, and we are excited about this project,” said Craig Woolard, City of Bozeman’s Director of Public Works.
“As our community grows and use increases, we need to continually think about improvements that will enhance safety and integrate our trail and transportation systems,” said Penelope Pierce, GVLT Executive Director. “The partners that joined together for this funding proposal are excited to help the West Side Trail be a safer, more effective part of our recreational trail system and non-motorized transportation network.”
The City of Bozeman, GVLT, and WTI are proud to bring these much needed safety enhancements to one of the west side’s busiest trails and alternative transportation routes. Engineering for the improvements will begin this spring with construction expected in 2017.