Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in roads with medium priority
MDT I-90 and Kagy intersection project
The New Hyalite View Neighborhood Association was set to share information about Montana Department of Transportation meetings on the I-90/Kagy interchange, a project that affects traffic around a busy south-side intersection.
Gallagator Trail crossing of Kagy Blvd
Residents want the city to secure right-of-way for a future pedestrian crossing of Kagy Blvd connecting the Gallagator Trail to the Museum of the Rockies, before surrounding development closes off the option. Kids crossing to Sacajawea Middle School face growing traffic danger.
Safe passage through construction zones
The Babcock Street project is wrapped up, with new pedestrian ramps and curb extensions the URD helped fund. One board member flagged a mismatched sidewalk grade at a corner and wants the city to feather it in. Pedestrian lighting is also going in along the north side of Main Street, possibly extending toward Wilson School and Third.
Pedestrian safety improvements at three crossings
A new $67,660 design and construction task order funds flashing crossing beacons and ADA upgrades on South Willson at Dickerson and South 3rd at Arnold and Westridge, plus better pedestrian visibility at Oak Street by the Regional Park.
Travel demand model update shows 2050 congestion even with all projects built
Modeling all 45 capacity-expanding projects shows they ease but don't eliminate future congestion — by 2050, with 25 years of population and job growth, much of the network is still over capacity. A final model run will test just the affordable project package.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths Construction Contract
A consent item would let the City Manager sign a contract with Elevation Excavation to build the Bozeman Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths Transportation Alternatives Project.
Transit service improvements
The transit district's portion of the work program funds short-term service upgrades: better Belgrade route service including airport trips, late-night service with ASMSU, an extension to Billings Clinic, and a new rider app for alerts.
Regional transportation performance targets
The MPO must either adopt the state's transportation performance targets or develop its own. Some members worry the state's targets are too weak on safety and road reliability, and the two-year term keeps the door open for local, more ambitious targets later.
Street name changes: Thomas Drive and East Graf Street
Two renames approved for safety and address clarity — Thomas Drive becomes North 27th Avenue (33 addresses, one objector) and Graf east of Tracy becomes East Graf Street (160 addresses, residents requested it). Real cost: every resident updating licenses, banks, and insurance.
Multimodal safety funding and projects
The budget doubles the multimodal fund to $300,000 annually — about 10% of the streets capital budget — and the city will begin its first comprehensive safety action plan and transportation master plan update, following a recent fatal child pedestrian accident.