The Planning Division is presenting to the City Council the Highway 3 Corridor Study with the intent to have the Council make a recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC).  The Council received information regarding this study at its March 2 Work Session.  At the March 9 meeting, the City Council is expected to take action on the study to forward a recommendation to PCC for its March 24 meeting.  

The Highway 3 Corridor Study evaluates the challenges of providing safe access for motorized and non-motorized transportation along the Highway 3 corridor in Billings and Yellowstone County. The study area is an approximately 5 mile corridor between the N. 27th Street and Highway 3 intersection and the Apache Trail and Highway 3 intersection. The Study provides an access plan for the corridor, including bike/pedestrian amenities along the rim-face which include a parking plan and a detailed storm water management plan. This study addresses current vehicle and non-motorized traffic circulation and access along the corridor, and provides a plan for future changes to the corridor to improve safety and access as changes in traffic patterns and development activity occur. 

The study was managed by a project steering committee comprised of representatives from Planning, the Billings Logan International Airport, City Parks and Recreation Department, City Engineering Division, County Public Works Department, Montana Department of Transportation, a representative of the Rimrock Neighborhoods Task Force, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation.  The planning process included a public participation element that hosted two public open houses on the context and goals of the study.  Participants were able to review the history of the corridor and the proposed roadway, parking, stormwater, and non-motorized improvements as well as provide comment on improvements and proposed infrastructure concepts to create a safer and more accessible corridor for all users.   

The study is attached with this memo and it is also located at the following link:  http://www.ci.billings.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/26772
 

City Council may:

• Approve the Highway 3 Corridor Study and forward the recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee through the City's PCC representative; or
• Approve the Highway 3 Corridor Study with modification and forward the recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee's through the City's PCC representative; or
• Disapprove the Highway 3 Corridor Study and forward the recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee through the City's PCC representative.

There should be no direct financial impact from the adoption of this study. However, if adopted, it will assist with future access management and transportation circulation improvements for the Highway 3 corridor and provides recommendations for incorporating bike/pedestrian facilities, a parking plan, and a stormwater management plan along the top of the Rims.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Highway 3 Corridor Study and forward this recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee for its meeting on March 24.