U.S. Highway 2 gets another traffic light

Havre's intersection at U.S. Highway 2 and 14th Avenue will have a new look in 2004 when a new traffic light will be installed.

At the time of installation, sometime in the 2004 construction season, First Street will be made into a one-way street heading east, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

Michael Johnson, district administrator with the MDT in Great Falls, cited higher traffic volume and higher pedestrian volume in the area as the major reasons for the new light. Johnson believes the light will not only assist in increasing the safety of motorists, but should significantly increase the safety of pedestrians crossing the street at that intersection.

The project is not a new one, and has been on the drawing board for some time, he said. MDT has consulted with the city of Havre and the business owners in the area, and all are in favor of the plans, he added.

United Building Centers store manager Dave Arensmeyer expressed some concern about the plan to turn the full length of First Street into a one-way. Store customers would have to take a more complicated route when leaving the store, which is situated at the end of First Street.

"I would probably be against turning First Street into a one-way, but the stop light is probably a good idea," Arensmeyer said.

Johnson admitted that the current plans had not taken into account the traffic to and from UBC. However, he said, the plans are subject to change, and all plans will be reviewed with the city prior to implementation.

For more information or to comment on this proposal please contact Michael Johnson, district administrator, P.O. Box 1359, Great Falls, MT

59403-1359, phone (406) 454-5880 or (888) 730-0898. To make special accommodations for disabilities call MDT at (406) 444-9229. For TTY call (406) 444-7696 or (800) 335-7592.