County takes steps to improve Rose Crossing

Rose Crossing, the once-rural road turned thoroughfare between U.S. 93 and U.S. 2, will soon see added traffic safety improvements, according to the Flathead County commissioners.

Commissioner Randy Brodehl said the county and Montana Department of Transportation will install four chevron signs, or traffic signs that mark an upcoming bend or curve in the road. In addition, a flashing sign will be situated 100 feet from the hazardous 90-degree turn located near Rose Bud Lane, according to a press release from the commissioners.

The curve, which according to the press release saw multiple accidents this winter, has been an epicenter for safety concerns for many residents who have noted an increase in traffic since Rose Crossing was extended from its former endpoint at Whitefish Stage to connect with U.S. 93.

Debbie Street, who lives along Rose Crossing, said she is glad these issues are “on the commissioners’ radars.

“There has been a significant amount of increased accidents along Rose Crossing and I look forward to them [the commissioners] considering a more long-term plan for traffic safety,” Street said.

Commuters between North Kalispell and Evergreen and Columbia Falls started using Rose Crossing as an alternative to West Reserve Drive — the most common connecting point between the two highways.

Kalispell resident Stacey Neary described it in the past as a “de facto bypass for commuters and motorists between those two major thoroughfares as a way to avoid near constant congestion along Reserve.”

Many residents anticipate the traffic will only get worse in the coming years, in light of multiple developments underway in the valley including, Kalispel North Town Center, Eagle Valley Ranch and Rosewater.

The new signs have arrived in the county and will be installed later this spring when the ground has thawed.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4439 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com