In a decisive move aimed at enhancing traffic safety and efficiency, the Kalispell City Council adopted the long-awaited Main Street Safety Action Plan during their meeting on Monday night. The plan, years in the making, represents a comprehensive effort to address traffic concerns and improve safety along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
However, the Council decided not to approve a specific component of the plan—the proposed linkage of Woodland Avenue to 7th Avenue West North. This connection, which would have facilitated a direct route from East Idaho Street to the eastside route, was intended to provide an additional access point to Highway 2 and alleviate traffic congestion on Main Street.
The proposal faced significant opposition from residents, who expressed concerns that the new link would transform Woodland Avenue into a high-speed arterial, potentially increasing traffic volumes. The Council’s decision reflects these concerns, opting to exclude the linkage from the approved plan.
With the Main Street Safety Action Plan now moving forward without this component, the focus shifts to the next crucial phase: securing funding for the proposed improvements. Planning Director Jarod Nygren has recommended a series of implementation and demonstration grants through the Federal Streets & Roads for All program. This funding avenue would provide necessary financial resources to bring the planned enhancements to fruition.
As the city navigates this next step, officials and residents alike will be closely watching how the funding process unfolds and what impact the adopted plan will have on traffic safety and efficiency in Kalispell.
