Aaron Wilson, Infrastructure and Mobility Planning Manager, and Jennifer Wieland, Principal at Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associate, presented on the Long Range Transportation plan update, focusing on the scenario planning underway that looks at two land use scenarios and three transportation scenarios
Ms. Wieland mentioned that there are a couple of protected bike lane projects included in the all scenarios contemplated by the long range plan. A board member pointed out that in some situations drivers pay attention to different traffic lanes but not to bike and pedestrians. Protected bike lanes alone do not provide safety in such situations.
Mr. Wilson provided clarification on how projects were selected. It started by gathering all the possible ideas through different methods from Department of Transportation staff, and the public. Then the projects were narrowed down by a screening and project evaluation process. The projects were scored against 30 different metrics.
Ms. Weiland added that all three scenarios, new connections, enhanced connections, and regional equity, improve safety in locations with previous pedestrian and bicycle involved collisions.
Board members expressed their support and preference of scenarios. A board member mentioned she supported the second two (Enhanced Connections and Regional Equity) scenarios. They both provide low stress biking. She noted that the Enhanced Connections scenario provides better safety and connectivity. The board member suggested including bike safety as its own metric in the scenarios. A bike connection to and from the Mullan Area is very important to the new developments slated for this area.
Another board member favored regional equity. Since this scenario connects to affordable transportation options like transit, walking, and biking it has a broader impact. The board member suggested adding projects that help make pedestrian crossing safer.
Ms. Wieland provided information on comparison of different scenarios in terms of gas emission goals. The Strategic Growth scenario helps this goal the most. It decreases the travel distance to destinations significantly. It also increases the walking and biking to destinations. The major Neighborhood Greenway intersection projects are identified as standalone projects, as identified by their significantly different costs.
Mr. Wilson provided information on public involvement activities. There are virtual community meetings on December 8th, 10th, 15th, and 17th. Links to a survey (www.missoulampo.com) and an interactive map (https://rb.gy/lvckun) were provided.
The Long Range Transportation Plan will be further refined between December and January, with a draft coming soon after. The plan will be brought back to the BPAB, likely in March, prior to a hopeful adoption in April 2021.