MDT to hold meeting on highway safety

Bigfork Eagle

After another semi-truck crashed in October on Montana Highway 35, residents will again get an opportunity to express concerns about the safety of the highway.

The Montana Department of Transportation will hold an informational meeting today to discuss safety issues regarding large trucks on Highway 35 and U.S. Highway 93.

The meeting will take place at the Best Western White Oak Grand Hotel on Highway 93 between Kalispell and Somers. It will start at 6:30 p.m. with an open house, followed by a presentation from MDT Director Jim Lynch at 7 p.m.

The idea to close Highway 35 to truck traffic has been around since 1975, but the renewal effort came after an April 2008 gas tanker crash that spilled 6,000 gallons of fuel onto properties lining the highway.

This April, a second truck flipped on the highway, though the truck’s load did not spill, but it did spur further frustrations from area residents.

After listening to public comment, and conducting research of their own, MDT said Highway 35 was capable of safely handling truck traffic and did not recommend closing the road to trucking traffic.

Since April 2008, MDT has increased signs, no-passing zones and increased guardrails along Highway 35. Guardrails were scheduled to be put in at the scene of the latest accident on Highway 35, but had not yet been installed.

At the Nov. 12 meeting, Lynch will present updated information and findings concerning traffic and safety issues on the two highways. Afterward, the meeting will be opened up for public discussion.

Comments about these issues can also be submitted in writing at the meeting or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml. Residents are encouraged to indicate the comments are for Highway 35 safety issues and to submit comments by Dec. 11.