Billings, Montana – The city of Billings is actively undertaking initiatives to improve road safety, a move prompted by recent studies and ongoing traffic analyses. These changes are part of a larger strategy to enhance the driving experience within the city, prioritizing the safety of its residents.
City Engineer Mac Fogelsong revealed that a year-long study indicated a concerning trend along North 22nd Street. Drivers were found to be traveling at average speeds of about 31 miles per hour, significantly over the 25-mph speed limit. In response, the city has recently installed two traffic circles on a half-mile stretch between 11th and 8th Avenue near North Park on North 22nd Street. These circles are designed to slow down traffic, creating a safer environment for the families living in the area.
Fogelsong explained, “There is a little different from the roundabout that we have elsewhere in Billings. These are simply horizontal deflections, it is something in the road that will make you slow down and go around that feature, that is the difference between these and the other roundabout. It’s sort of like a horizontal feature.”
In addition to these measures, the city is also focusing on improving traffic flow at critical intersections. One such intervention is the installation of protected left arrow signal lights at 24th and Monad. This change aims to alleviate the long wait times currently experienced during peak hours, particularly for left turns from Monad onto 24th Street West.
Mac Fogelsong highlighted the city’s approach to transportation planning: “We have a long-range Transportation and we kind of look to that in terms of how big a street should be how many lanes it has what it looks like. As things start to develop, we see certain traffic patterns that we need to analyze and add new elements as things occur and so it an ongoing process.”
His department remains committed to continually seeking ways to improve the driving experience. By making strategic changes and adaptations, the city aims to enhance traffic flow throughout Billings and ensure the safety of all road users. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to urban planning and traffic management, essential in a growing city like Billings.
