Last night, Kalispell City Council members opposed taking the next step on the Main Street Safety Action Plan (illustration above), voting against applying for a federal grant that would have funded construction of the proposed “road diet.”

Despite several council meetings and work sessions, the resolution to support the federal grant application failed in a 5-4 vote. Several opposing councilors said their decision came after listening to community members who filled council chambers in the final meetings leading up to the vote to criticize the proposal to reduce Main Street to two driving lanes and a turn lane. Concerns included potential impacts on local businesses during construction and the plan’s lack of a solution to parking.

Mayor Mark Johnson said he felt torn, though ultimately voting against the resolution. He closed the meeting with a note to the last-minute commenters that helped turn the resolution’s vote.

“I urge everybody, when you see things on the agenda, when you see us talking about planning, to participate from the start,” said Johnson. “It’s really frustrating to get to the 11^th hour and then get the internet keyboard warriors hammering everybody into a frenzy, telling them the city of Kalispell is going to take away their rights or whatever.”

Stay tuned for a full debrief of the meeting and where the vote leaves the proposed street reconfiguration. I’m Zoë Buhrmaster, riding with you through today’s road-centered Daily Roundup.

In other news: This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is beginning to install safety features on roads throughout western Montana in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties and the Flathead Reservation.

Joan Redeen, executive communications assistant for MDT, stated in a press release that the purpose of the project is to reduce roadway departures by installing signage, flashers, and other safety measures.

“Traffic control will be in place during construction,” stated Redeen. “Expect 10- to 15-minute delays, reduced speeds, and single-lane traffic when traveling through the project areas. Additional information will be provided based on project location.”

Construction is anticipated to finish at the end of July, with crews working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Restrictions and road closures will be kept up to date on 511.mt.net.