Corridor Study Approved for US 93 from Polson to Somers
July 7, 2024, marks 2 years since the Upper West Shore Alliance initiated a petition for a Corridor Study on Highway 93. We’ve spent the past 2 years advocating for the study. In April of 2023, our directors participated in a meeting with the Transportation Commission in Helena asking that they study this precarious corridor. We stay continually engaged with the leadership in both Lake and Flathead Counties advocating for safe passage on Highway 93.
We are thrilled to share with you that Flathead County Commissioner Randy Brodehl has informed us that MDT nominated Hwy 93 from Polson to Somers for a Corridor Study. The nomination had a positive outcome and the study commenced in March. All work is anticipated to be completed by May 2025. MDT is conducting the study in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Lake County, Flathead County, resources agencies, and the public. There will be a total of six opportunities for the public to participate in a public meeting about this study. The published schedule reflects that the first public meeting will be held in August 2024. The Upper West Shore Alliance will use our social media platforms to provide notifications of the meetings.
Public comments will be collected and considered throughout the planning process. Details are provided on MDT’s website.
As part of the study, MDT will also develop an Access Management Plan for the Polson to Somers corridor. An access management plan is a proactive strategy to ensure safe and efficient use of the highway while considering the needs of local communities and stakeholders. Access management plays a crucial role in enhancing roadway safety, functionality, compatibility with development, and overall operation.
You can review the details of the US 93 Polson-Somers Corridor Study on MDT’s website. Details include a Plan Overview, Study Area, Schedule, and FAQs. There is also an Interactive Commenting Map.
Speed Study Updates
Speed Study Updates for both Lake and Flathead Counties on Highway 93.
Rollins Speed Study:
The Transportation Commissioners approved the MDT recommended speed limit change to 65mph beginning around 490-feet north of the intersection with Northaire Lane and continuing north to Milepost 93, just north of the entrance to West Shore State Park and Glacier Camp.
Rebecca Franke received the finalized signing plans and sent out the installation work order. Signage should be installed by the end of the month.
You can hear a recording of the Transportation Commissioners meeting on our YouTube Channel. HERE
Lakeside/Somers Speed Study:
This speed study was originally requested on September 12, 2022. Data was to be collected in the summer of 2023. Due to highway construction, the speed study was pushed back. The data was collected on August 2, 2023. A report from MDT with recommendations can take many months. We will keep you posted but expect to see the report around spring of 2024.
Elmo to Dayton Speed Study:
A speed study was requested on August 3, 2023, from Elmo to Dayton. The MDT Speed Study Map shows that the data was collected on September 10, 2023. Again we will keep you posted.
