ICYMI: Traffic Changes Are Coming to One of Missoula’s Busiest Spots

Missoula traffic is going to see an upcoming change. One busy intersection is going to be getting a new traffic light to help with growing traffic in the area.

The intersection of Cregg Lane and Orange Street will be getting a new traffic light. As that area continues to expand, the need for a traffic light and crosswalk there may be overdue.

I spoke with Ryan Guelff, a Transportation Engineer with Missoula's Department of Public Works & Mobility Planning and Engineering Division. The traffic light in that particular location has been discussed since 2007, when the Old Sawmill District subdivision was planned.

Since then both pedestrian and vehicle traffic has increased. There has also been an increase in recent crash trends that have made this intersection a high priority. It was determined that a signal was the best option for this location.

The Old Sawmill District has seen a lot of growth, with Ogren Park and Allegiance Field, home of Paddleheads Baseball, Silver Park, restaurants, condos, and more located in the area. The need is only going to increase.

The area has also seen an increase in traffic with the connection of Wyoming Street and Cregg Lane, there are more people who use that street to connect the high traffic streets of Russell and Orange.

The plan is to start construction in about the next thirty days. The construction will include the installation of a new traffic light and cross-walk but there will also be enhancements to sidewalks and curb ramps installed. The construction will hopefully be completed by the end of September.

I was curious how this signal will affect the already busy intersections of Orange Street in downtown. Guelff said this new signal will be coordinated with the other signals that are part of the downtown "Orange Street Signal Group" which includes Main, Front, Broadway and Spruce. The goal is for safer and decent progress on Orange Street.

If the public has safety concerns about a Missoula intersection, they can report them to the City of Missoula here.