The Planning Division is presenting to the City Council the West End Multi-Modal Traffic Modeling Study with the intent to have the Council make a recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC).  The City Council received information regarding this study at its June 20 Work Session.  At the June 27 Council meeting, the Council is expected to take action on the study to forward a recommendation to PCC. The PCC is scheduled to meet on July 19.

In recent years, land development in the area of Billings that lies west of Shiloh Road has brought about an increase in traffic volumes that directly impacts safety, traffic operations and access.  As more and more rooftops are constructed in this area, demand for pedestrian and bicycle facilities to support multi-modal transportation options is also rapidly increasing.  The intent of this study is to provide the City of Billings and Yellowstone County with a tool for planning improvement projects to meet the demands of a vibrant and growing region in our community.

The study was managed by a project steering committee comprised of representatives from City/County Planning, City Engineering Division, County Public Works Department and the Montana Department of Transportation.  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 transportation history of the study area, the estimated land use and future traffic impacts and comment on proposed improvements.

The Executive Summary and the Appendices can be found in the attachments and at the following links.  Hard copies are available by request.

• Executive Summary:  http://ci.billings.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/29949
• Appendix A Traffic Count Data:  http://ci.billings.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/29989
• Appendix B Existing Conditions Worksheet: http://ci.billings.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/29990
• Appendix C Horizon Year Unimproved Intersection Capacity Worksheets:  http://ci.billings.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/29991
• Appendix D Horizon Year Improved Intersection Capacity Worksheets:  http://ci.billings.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/29992

City Council may:

• Approve the West End Multi-Modal Traffic Modeling Study and forward the recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee through the City's PCC representative; or
• Approve the West End Multi-Modal Traffic Modeling Study with modifications and forward the recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee's through the City's PCC representative; or
• Disapprove the West End Multi-Modal Traffic Modeling 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 transportation improvements for the west end and provides recommendations for incorporating corridor and intersection treatments and bike/pedestrian facilities.

Staff recommends that the Council approve the West End Multi-Modal Traffic Modeling Study and forward this recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee for its meeting on July 19.