Final Environmental Impact Statement Ready For Public Review

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Russell Street/ South 3rd Street project is now  available for public review  the FEIS outlines the need for the proposed project, discusses the Preferred Alternative considered to meet those needs, and examines impacts that may result from the proposed project.

“Building a better, safer Russell Street and South 3rd Street for all modes of transportation has been a community priority for many years,” said Steve King, Public Works Director for the City of Missoula.

“Completion of these federally required documents allows Missoula to fulfill that goal of constructing complete streets for the benefit of the neighborhood and the community.” The proposed action is the reconstruction of Russell Street from Mount Avenue/South 14th Street to West Broadway and of South 3rd Street from Reserve Street to Russell Street to address current and projected safety and operational needs. The initial funded construction phase for Russell Street will be from West Broadway to South 3rd Street.
The Preferred Alternative identified in the document includes elements that best satisfy the need for the project while minimizing impacts.

It would have four travel lanes and a center turn lane/median on Russell Street and two travel lanes and a center turn lane/median on South 3rd Street. Major intersections on Russell Street and South 3rd Street would be controlled with signals. The proposed project also includes a new Clark Fork River bridge, accommodation of alternative transportation modes, transit pullouts, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, boulevards, bicycle lanes, and stormwater drainage.
Anyone interested in the FEIS may view it online here.

From: Ginny Merriam, Public Information/Communications Director for the city of Missoula