On Monday, July 28, several streets in downtown Billings will begin transitioning to two-way as part of the Downtown Billings Two-Way Restoration project. Crews will apply interim pavement markings to the roadway (in the two-way configuration) after all two-way traffic signals and signs are installed and ready to activate. This transition will take about one week to fully implement and will happen street by street as crews work through the project area. The traveling public should look for double-yellow pavement markings and new roadway signs to know which streets have transitioned to two-way.
Together with the City of Billings, we are urging drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to look both ways and proceed with caution while all travelers adjust to the new two-way traffic flow. Montana Avenue, 1st Avenue North, 4th Avenue North, and 6th Avenue North will remain one-way streets.
“There will certainly be an adjustment period, so we’re asking for the public’s help in making the transition to two-way traffic as safe and smooth as possible, We recognize summer is a busy time in downtown Billings and appreciate the partnership and collaboration of downtown businesses and other project partners in helping us move this project forward.”
Mac Fogelsong, Billings Public Works
Once interim striping is complete, all roads in the project area will operate as two-way. Approximately 30 days after the chip seal has fully cured, crews will apply permanent, reflective epoxy pavement markings to the roadway. This is anticipated in mid to late August.
This project also includes new, two-way cycle tracks on North 31st Street and 3rd Avenue North. Two-way cycle tracks are bike facilities that are separated from vehicular traffic with a physical barrier like flexible delineators. The cycle tracks will be available for use once crews complete permanent roadway striping in mid to late August.
Travel Advisories:
- Please remember to look both ways and pay attention to new signage indicating two-way traffic.
- A new pedestrian crossing with a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) has been constructed on North 32nd Street, just north of the YMCA’s main entrance. This will be available to use once the pedestrian crossing is striped and new signage is installed. To use the crossing, pedestrians should press the button to activate flashing LED lights which indicate to drivers that they must yield. Since this is a new feature that drivers are not accustomed to seeing on North 32nd Street, pedestrians are advised to use caution, wait for traffic to fully stop, and look both ways before crossing the street.
- There will be “Right on Red” restrictions at intersections with two-way cycle tracks.
- There is a new traffic signal at the Division Street and 2nd Avenue North intersection.
- Once two-way traffic is active, the North 32nd Street intersections at 2nd Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North will operate as four-way stops. The North 25th Street and 2nd Avenue North intersection will operate as a four-way stop as well.
- MET Transit is updating their downtown routes to accommodate the two-way traffic flow. More information about these routes is available on the MET website, Facebook page, and Passio Go mobile app.
Connect:
or text 2WAY to 833-648-0322 to sign up for text alerts**.
Comments, questions, or concerns can be directed to billings2way@dowl.com. More information and instructions on signing up for project updates can be found at www.billings2way.com.