Higgins Ave Multi-Modal Improvements

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4-to-3 lane conversion

The Higgins Avenue multi-modal improvements includes reconfiguring Higgins Avenue from its existing 4 lanes down to 3 lanes, (two one-way lanes and a dedicated center turn lane). By decreasing the number of travel lanes, additional space is available for improvements within the existing right of way including:

  • dedicated left turn lanes
  • protected bike lanes
  • standardized lane widths
  • curb extensions
  • improved transit stops
  • wide sidewalks
  • street trees
  • and various ADA accessibility upgrades.

Safety

These improvements serve to increase the safety for all users by:

  • facilitating left-turns
  • standardizing driving and parking lane widths
  • providing dedicated facilities for different modes of transportation
  • and reducing pedestrian crossing distances at intersections.

Improved bicycle facilities

The new protected bike lanes will also provide a continuous connection between the existing protected bike lanes on Higgins Avenue north of Broadway Street and the traditional bike lanes south of Brooks Street. Maintaining the wide sidewalks, street trees, and most of the on-street parking will enhance the pedestrian experience and improve accessibility for all users.

Bus stops and other street amenities

The improved transit stops, standardized lane widths that accommodate buses, and the reduced crossing distance at intersections will enhance access to the wonderful transit system available in Missoula. Maintaining efficient traffic flow with the lane reduction is an important aspect and is closely tied to the signal optimization component as well.

Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.


4-to-3 lane conversion

The Higgins Avenue multi-modal improvements includes reconfiguring Higgins Avenue from its existing 4 lanes down to 3 lanes, (two one-way lanes and a dedicated center turn lane). By decreasing the number of travel lanes, additional space is available for improvements within the existing right of way including:

  • dedicated left turn lanes
  • protected bike lanes
  • standardized lane widths
  • curb extensions
  • improved transit stops
  • wide sidewalks
  • street trees
  • and various ADA accessibility upgrades.

Safety

These improvements serve to increase the safety for all users by:

  • facilitating left-turns
  • standardizing driving and parking lane widths
  • providing dedicated facilities for different modes of transportation
  • and reducing pedestrian crossing distances at intersections.

Improved bicycle facilities

The new protected bike lanes will also provide a continuous connection between the existing protected bike lanes on Higgins Avenue north of Broadway Street and the traditional bike lanes south of Brooks Street. Maintaining the wide sidewalks, street trees, and most of the on-street parking will enhance the pedestrian experience and improve accessibility for all users.

Bus stops and other street amenities

The improved transit stops, standardized lane widths that accommodate buses, and the reduced crossing distance at intersections will enhance access to the wonderful transit system available in Missoula. Maintaining efficient traffic flow with the lane reduction is an important aspect and is closely tied to the signal optimization component as well.

Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.

Have a question about the Higgins Ave Multi-Modal Improvements? Ask here.

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  • Share What will biking infrastructure look like on the Beartracks Bridge under the new plan? on Facebook Share What will biking infrastructure look like on the Beartracks Bridge under the new plan? on Twitter Share What will biking infrastructure look like on the Beartracks Bridge under the new plan? on Linkedin Email What will biking infrastructure look like on the Beartracks Bridge under the new plan? link

    What will biking infrastructure look like on the Beartracks Bridge under the new plan?

    srcwood asked about 1 month ago

    Hi,

    Thanks for your question. 

    The 30% plans for the Higgins Avenue project element improve the bike facilities by adding dedicated bike lanes from Brooks to Broadway.  The section over the Beartracks Bridge transitions the northbound and southbound bike lanes within the roadway section (between the curbs) and off of the shared use path (current configuration).  No alterations to the shared use path will be made.  The bike facility across the bridge is planned to be five-foot-wide lane in each direction with a painted buffer zone between the bike lane and vehicle travel lane. 

    Please reference this link to see the proposed 30% design plans that detail the roadway sections for the Higgins corridor, where it shows the proposed plans across Beartracks Bridge.

    Regards,

    Downtown SAM Project Team

Page last updated: 23 Oct 2025, 09:48 AM