3-Plus for Russell Street

In January, the city counci approved a $186,000 contract for a peer review of the D-EIS traffic projections and modeling by an outside engineering and planning firm.

Coucilman Jason Wiener had some insightful reflections on what should come from this peer review process:

The purpose of the peer review is to get the enormous volume of comments received, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement’s analysis, reviewed by people with the technical expertise to move the prime consultants and Montana Dept of Transportation to a different solution and no commitment to the conclusions that have already been drawn…

He continues on to defend the cost of the peer review:

$186,000 is a lot of money. In a $40 million project, however, it is less than .5% of the project budget. If even one turn lane drops out of the preferred alternative, the study pays for itself in eliminated construction costs.

Read his entire comment on his post on the MissoulaGov listserv.

For more background see:
The contract with Kittelson and Associates that passed council, or Keila Szpaller’s post at Missoula Red Tape.

Thanks to everyone for attending last week’s public meeting. We had a great turnout, and a huge volume of comments. Our work is far from complete, however. The public meeting is a great opportunity to share ideas and viewpoints with the public at large, but not necessarily the best arena for substantive comments. Now is the time to submit detailed, technical comments in writing.

Comments are due no later than October 20th November 4th, and can be mailed to Gregg Wood, Dept. of Public Works, 435 Ryman St, Missoula, MT 59802. Comments can also be submitted online through MDT’s EIS website.

When Submitting You Public Comment, Be Specific!

Here are some suggestions, in addition to your own ideas and concerns:

1. Ask for a fair and substantive analysis of an improved Russell Street alternative that doesn’t remove any homes or businesses. State that you want an alternative that does not take any property.
2. Demand that neighborhood driving speeds remain comparable to what they are currently for safety in the corridor. Ask for an analysis of how speeds affect safety.
3. Indicate that the Purpose and Need statement was inappropriately shortened, excluding smaller alternatives from the beginning.
4. Ask for an updated analysis of biking, walking, carpooling, and transit options along the corridor. Insist that capacity is increased for these modes, as required by the Purpose and Need statement. Request funding for transit built in to the project to increase transit capacity.
5. Ask for analysis of the concept of induced demand. Request analysis of the impacts of additional traffic to surrounding neighborhoods.
6. Request that traffic projections be reconfigured using the latest methodology to reflect high gas prices, the flattening of traffic counts, and the desire use other modes.
7. Also, sign our petition, if you haven’t already. The petition will be submitted as public comment, and our goal is to submit well over 1,000 names. Strength in numbers!

For additional talking points, read our series, 3+ Design, 100+ Benefits. This series focuses on the strengths of the 3-Plus proposal. This series is updated regularly, so check back often!

Just a friendly reminder of tonight’s very important public hearing on the draft Environmental Impact Statement! The meeting is at 6:00 at Franklin Elementary School on 10th and Johnson [map].

Read the D-EIS, and then familiarize yourself with the citizens’ plan, 3-Plus for Russell Street. Then come make public comment tonight!

3-Plus for Russell Street links:

• Download a PDF version of the plan with maps and graphics.
• Read about some of the many benefits of 3-Plus for Russell Street.
• View more information on the roundabouts proposed in the corridor, included examples.
• Sign the petition in support of the 3-Plus for Russell Street plan.
• Contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions.

You may also want to reference these op-ed pieces from the Missoulian:

• 3-Plus plan is what’s best for Russell Street, written by Lin Smith, a Rose Park resident; John Wolverton, a Franklin-to-the-Fort resident; Nancy McCourt, a business owner interested in investing in the Russell Street corridor; Melissa Schmitt, a business owner and resident of the Riverfront neighborhood; and Jim Sayer, a Bike/Walk Alliance for Missoula board member.
• Now is the time to weigh in on Russell, South Third plan, written by Steve King, director of Public Works in Missoula.

3-Plus for Russell Street was created this spring out of the frustration of several citizen groups and transportation professionals that felt their voice was not being heard in the Russell Street EIS process. Since then, things have moved quickly! The 3-Plus plan has been gaining traction at the farmer’s market and at neighborhood council meetings.

There are several upcoming dates and deadlines:

Rose Park Neighborhood Council Presentation
Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00 PM
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
202 Brooks St.

Official Russell & 3rd D-EIS Hearing
Wednesday, September 24th, 6:00 PM
Franklin School
1901 S 10th St W
Present verbal or written comments on the D-EIS at the Public Hearing

End of Public Comment Period for the D-EIS
Monday, October 20th
Written comments can be sent to Gregg Wood, City of Missoula Public Works, 435 Ryman Street, Missoula MT 59802, or submitted online at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eis_ea.shtml

Welcome. This blog was created to inform and engage the public about the City of Missoula’s plans to rebuild Russell Street and about the efforts of citizens’ to make the project more friendly to our community.

Background: The City of Missoula is planning to rebuild Russell Street in the next few years. Despite substantial public comment calling for a three-lane facility, the current plan calls for a massive five-lane roadway. The city’s plan also requires acquiring and demolishing several houses and businesses. A coalition of groups is proposing a project with a more human scale that enhances the character of the corridor. Enter the Citizens’ Plan. The Citizen’s Plan strives to take input from ALL stakeholders to arrive at a plan that fits within the context of the neighborhood and the greater community.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement is now available for the city’s plan. Please take a moment to review the city’s plan

Then explore the Citizens’ Plan, 3-Plus for Russell Street. Download the PDF handout, sign our petition, come to the D-EIS presentation, and make comments on the city’s plan!

A number of guiding principles informed the design process for the Citizens’ Plan: The citizens’ plan works within the existing right-of-way (ROW). All segments include sidewalks, bike lanes, and two travel lanes. Space permitting, green boulevard strips, and center turn lanes are added.

Artist rendition of a Russell Street cross-section at Longstaff