South Avenue Safe Streets

1. What is the South Avenue Safe Streets for All project?
A federally funded project to make South Avenue and Clements Road “complete streets” by adding shared-use paths, turn lanes, lighting, and safer intersections and crosswalks.

2. How did this project come about?
In 2022, the City and County applied for a federal Safe Streets for All grant, building on earlier design work. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grant in 2023.

3. Has public input shaped the project?
Yes. Public open houses in 2020 and 2022, along with stakeholder meetings over the past six years, directly informed the design.

4. What is the total budget?
The project is funded by about $9.3 million in federal funds, with local matches of $1.5 million from the City and $850,000 from the County (impact fees and tax reserves).

5. What safety issues are being addressed?
Between 2016 and 2020, 113 crashes occurred on South Avenue west of Reserve. The project adds proven safety measures like turn lanes, pedestrian crossings, lighting, curb and gutter, and shared-use paths.

6. When will construction begin?
The project is at 90% design. Construction is expected in 2027, pending right-of-way acquisition and final approvals.

7. What are shared-use paths, and why on both sides of South Avenue?
Shared-use paths serve both people walking and biking. Paths on both the north and south sides provide safe access to schools, parks, businesses, and medical facilities without requiring extra crossings of South Avenue.

8. Is this project connected to the proposed South Avenue Bridge?
No. The bridge proposal is separate. Each project will move forward independently.

9. Who is managing the project, and how can I stay involved?
The City’s Public Works & Mobility Department, with support from County Public Works and engineering/construction management from WGM Group. Updates and contacts are available on City and County project websites.

10. What are the project’s benefits?
Safer crossings, better walking and biking and transit options, better traffic flow, and stronger connections between schools, parks, medical facilities, and neighborhoods.

11. Will nearby property owners be assessed for sidewalks or infrastructure?
No. The project is fully funded by the grant and local match, not property assessments.

12. Will I have to shovel snow from the new paths?

• City residents must clear at least 4 feet of path (not the full 10-ft path width) in front of their property per City code.

• County residents are encouraged, but not required, to clear snow.

• The south side path will receive priority winter maintenance by City Parks & Rec and County Parks & Trails; the north side path will also be maintained to full width for cyclist use by the City and County as priorities allow.

13. Will I have to maintain new boulevards?

• City residents must maintain boulevards per City code. Landscaping and irrigation will be installed for these property owners to maintain.

• County residents are not required to maintain boulevards. Boulevards will be seeded with low-maintenance vegetation, and irrigation sleeves will be installed for future use if desired.

City Council approved the grant agreement on Oct. 16, 2023, which could help pay for reconstruction on these roads in the Target Range and Orchard Homes neighborhoods southwest of Missoula, including:

• adding a two-way left-turn lane, intersection crossings, sidewalk and bike lane on the north side of South Avenue
• connecting the shared-use path on the south side of South Avenue
• connecting the shared-use path on Clements Road between South and North avenues. View plans in the "documents" section.

This area experienced 113 crashes between 2016 and 2020. These improvements would help minimize crashes in the area by providing improved crossings, left and right turn lanes, and biking and walking connections from multiple schools, shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, a medical center and Fort Missoula Regional Park.

In addition to improving traffic safety along the city and county portions of these roads, adding options for non-motorized travel to South Avenue and Clements Road will improve connections to places people want to bike and walk to, helping more residents access the area’s amenities.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All grant is a new federal grant designed to eliminate or significantly reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries for all users through development of a safety action plan that informs new construction projects. Residents are encouraged to let staff know what they should prioritize as the project progresses, particularly on the aspects along Clements Avenue and the county portion of South Avenue, which is west of 36th Street.

County and City staff also held an open house to provide information, answer questions and gather public comment on this and other potential projects in the area on Sept. 7, 2022, where residents provided input.