Plan Underway That May Bring Lights to the Reserve Street Bridge

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Last year, I visited with Megan Redmond with the Montana Department of Transportation about why lights have never been installed over the heavily used Reserve Street Bridge.

The three reasons included were that it was at first considered a ‘rural bridge’; even with the recent addition, it was determined that lights were not necessary; and the up to $750,000 price tag was prohibitive.

I learned on Thursday from Joan Redeen with the Montana Department of Transportation that the city of Missoula has requested and received preliminary funding for a study that may include lighting the bridge.

A Federal Grant Could Eventually Bring Lights to the Reserve Street Bridge

“In regard to lighting (the Reserve Street Bridge), the city applied for a grant, and they have received that grant,” began Redeen. “There is currently just being launched a Reserve Street Corridor study. MDT doesn't have any plans to do anything until that study is complete, and to then take a look at what the study suggests and recommends for the corridor as a whole.”

I spoke with Charlie Menefee, City of Missoula Associate Planner about the grant that will encompass much more than just possibly lighting the Reserve Street Bridge.

The Study Will Cover a Number of Safety Issues on the Reserve Street Corridor

“Lighting is likely to be a key intervention that is considered in this safety study,” said Menefee. “However, the safety study is much more broad than just the bridge in this historic concern and dilemma around lighting, so it's taking a larger look at the corridor as a whole, and not just people using that the bridge along Reserve Street, but how people would be traveling all the way to the interchange and down to Brooks Street for all modes of transportation.”

With all that in mind, Redeen said the Montana Department of Transportation is also preparing to inspect the Orange Street underpass, over which runs the Orange Street Railroad Bridge.

The DOT Will Be Inspecting the Orange Street Underpass Starting Next Week

“We have a routine inspection happening next week that will close one lane (of the Orange Street underpass) at any given time, and there will be detours around the bridge,” she said. “We're doing it from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to try and have the least amount of impact on the daily travel between that underpass and the heart of Missoula.”

A press release from the Montana Department of Transportation states, ‘Travelers can expect 15 to 20-minute delays and traffic control including alternating lane closures with corresponding detours in place and reduced speeds. Please follow all posted signage and watch for workers on the roadway.’