Nucleus stop sign hearing set for January

The Columbia Falls City Council is taking a step back from requesting a stop sign on Nucleus Avenue.

After hearing comments from the public, the council has decided to hold a public hearing on the idea before moving forward.

At its Nov. 1 meeting, the council directed City Manager Bill Shaw to send a letter to the state asking for a four-way stop on the street. The intent is to give pedestrians a safe place to cross.

Councilman Mike Shepard said he has heard a number of negative comments on the idea.

“No one wants to be impeded on Nucleus Avenue,” he said at the council’s Nov. 15 meeting.

The city is considering stop signs at Sixth Street West and Fifth Street West, where the majority of walking traffic occurs.

One gentleman at the council’s Nov. 15 meeting said he worries about children crossing the street and would welcome stop signs.

“Fifth and sixth are critical especially during the summer,” he said.

The City Council has discussed pedestrian safety along the street for several months.

To get stop signs, the city must ask the Montana Department of Transportation for approval because Nucleus Avenue is a state road.

A public hearing on the addition of stop signs to Nucleus Avenue is planned for January.