Project includes work to improve safety, access, capacity, and mobility on Lower Miller Creek Road from Linda Vista Boulevard to Bigfork Road/Jordan Court.

Questions? Use the tab at the bottom of this page.

What is Planned?

On Lower Miller Creek Road from Linda Vista Boulevard to Bigfork Road/Jordan Court:

• Street reconstruction
• Installation of a storm drain system, curb and gutter, bike lanes, and boulevard sidewalk, boulevard trees, and corridor lighting on the south and east sides of the street.

At Lower Miller Creek Road 90-degree corner and intersection with Old Bitterroot Road:

• Install a roundabout.

From the intersection of Bigfork Road/Jordan Court to Jack Drive:

• Install storm drain system, curb and gutter, boulevard sidewalk, and boulevard trees on the south side of Lower Miller Creek Road.

On the south side of Big Fork Road (adjacent to the City's Maloney Ranch Park):

• Install curb and gutter, boulevard sidewalk, and trees.
• Install bulb-outs and mid-block pedestrian crossing enhancements from the north side of the park to Jeannette Rankin Elementary School.

Project Funding

The project is currently estimated at $3.9 million. Proposed funding sources are City special improvement district (SID) funds, traffic impact fees, and private developer contributions.

Next Steps

The City will look to enter into a contract with a consultant to assist in the development of an SID for the area. In addition, staff will work with bond council on the SID funding and assessment methodology.

Staff is working with a handful of property owners to secure utility easements so that utility re-location work may begin this summer. The remaining improvements are anticipated to be constructed in 2025. See also Lifecycle in column on the right side of this page.

Background

Construction of Jeannette Rankin Elementary School and new development in the neighborhood have resulted in additional traffic in the area, increasing the need for safe access to the school for its students as well as safe access for all visitors to the adjacent Maloney Ranch Park.

Lower Miller Creek Road from Linda Vista Boulevard to Bigfork Road/Jordan Court is currently a rural two-lane road with minimal shoulder and a 90-degree bend, and it has no lighting, and no pedestrian or bike facilities. Providing these facilities would significantly improve safety for all transportation system users, including those who wish to walk, roll, bike, or drive in and around the area. Installing stormwater facilities extends pavement life and helps to prevent water from pooling in the street and at street corners that becomes ice in the winter.