Dive Into Details of 93 Roundabout in the Bitterroot

Bitterroot drivers will get their second chance Wednesday to learn more about a highway project that may be one of the most controversial since the state expanded U.S. 93 to 4-lanes.

While that project was met with some support, given the dangerous nature of the old 2-lane road, not everyone is on board with how the installation of a new roundabout in the middle of the highway will improve safety on the main route through the valley.

If you've been wondering exactly what's being proposed in the project we first reported on last winter, and sorting through all the subsequent rumors, now's the time to learn more for yourself.

Get our free mobile app

Improving safety at Bell Crossing

MDT has been looking into improving safety for both through and turning traffic at Bell Crossing north of Victor for several years. Now, those ideas have gelled around the proposal to install a multi-lane roundabout, instead of a traffic signal.

State engineers believe it represents not only the most cost-effective way to accommodate the junction and improve safety but also do it for more years than a signal, which they say will become overloaded again as Ravalli County grows.

Not everyone is convinced

But some people I've talked with, and those who have commented on my Facebook posts, believe it will just create an expensive bottleneck. And they worry about how that could impact everything from emergency traffic to semi-trucks and horse trailers.

At the first hearing late last month, MDT engineers felt many of those people were changing their minds after hearing a detailed explanation.

Dennis Bragg photo

Open house #2

Wednesday will be the second of three open houses, giving people a chance to talk with engineers, asking questions offer opinions, and review the draft designs. It runs from 12 pm until 6 pm.

A third, and final open house will be on August 29th, from 2 pm until 8 pm. Both of those will be in the new library at Stevensville High School, with entry on the east side of the building.