Rouse Ave Reconstruction Project

January 10, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Lori Ryan, Public Information, MDT, (406) 444-6821

Informational meeting to discuss Rouse Avenue Reconstruction projects in Bozeman, MT – Gallatin County

Bozeman - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is conducting an informational meeting to discuss a proposal to reconstruct approximately 2.03 miles of Rouse Avenue/Bridger Drive from Main Street (Reference Marker 0.0) to Story Mill Road (Reference Marker 2.03) in Bozeman, Gallatin County, to meet current MDT urban roadway standards while adding capacity. The meeting will start with an open house at 6:30 p.m. followed by a brief presentation at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N Tracy, in Bozeman.

Community participation is a very important part of the process, and the public is encouraged to attend. Opinion, comments and concerns may also be submitted in writing at the meeting, by mail to Jeff Ebert, District Administrator, at MDT’s Butte district office at PO Box 3068; Butte, MT 59702-3068, or online at

http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml

Please indicate comments are for project CN 4805 and submit by February 27, 2012.

Proposed work includes reconstruction and widening throughout the corridor; intersection improvements with turn lanes; addition of bike lanes, sidewalks, and a two-way left turn lane (TWLTL) throughout much of the corridor to improve safety and level-of-service (LOS); side-street improvements at intersections to accommodate turning movements; and storm drainage improvements. The corridor is proposed to be reconstructed in two segments: Main Street to Oak Street and Oak Street to Story Mill Road. The purpose of the projects is to improve vehicular level of service and enhance bike and pedestrian travel within the Rouse Avenue corridor.

The target ready date to acquire right-of-way and complete design is December 2012. The actual start of construction will be dependent on the availability of funds.

New right-of way and relocation of utilities will be required. MDT staff will contact all affected landowners prior to doing survey work on their land. Staff will again contact landowners prior to construction regarding property acquisition and temporary construction permits.

MDT attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s participation in any service, program or activity of our department. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in this meeting, please call Paul Grant at (406) 444-9415 at least two days before the meeting. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-7592, or call Montana Relay at 711. Alternative accessible formats of this information will be provided upon request.