Montana: Downtown Safety and Mobility (SAM) Project

Metamorphosis for Missoula

Challenge: For several years, the city of Missoula, Montana has seen a revitalization of its downtown. New restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and boutiques have popped up making it a weekend worthy destination and fun place to unwind with friends. Less enjoyable is the drive down the city’s main thoroughfare – Higgins Avenue. Clogged streets, lack of bike lanes and outdated signage contribute to an average of 55 crashes and 12 injuries annually – a rate seven times greater than the area average, according to data collected by the city from 2017 to 2021.

The Solution: With help from the federal infrastructure investment law the city is breaking ground on the Downtown Safety and Mobility (SAM) Project. This entails a wholesale renovation of Higgins Avenue from Brooks to Broadway – from four lanes to three, with dedicated left turn lanes, protected bike paths, improved transit stops, wider sidewalks, new trees, and improved lighting. Downtown SAM also includes a two-way conversion on Front and Main Streets (intersecting east/west streets with Higgins); new ADA-accessible ramp from Beartracks Bridge/Higgins down to the Riverfront Trail system and Caras Park; and commuter trail widening and enhanced access along the riverfront. These improvements will hopefully cut crash rates by 37 percent.

What They’re Saying: “This is a big deal for downtown Missoula,” said Mayor Jordan Hess. “Our downtown infrastructure is old and worn out, and we’re setting the stage for the next several decades. None of this work would be possible without the tireless work of Senator (John) Tester, who led negotiations on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” (NBC Montana, 06/30/2023)