For immediate release: Oct. 15, 2025
Media contact:
Scott Randall, Consultant Project Manager
406-447-5005
srandall@rpa-eng.com
Gallatin County Releases Draft Supplemental Safety Reports for Public Review
On June 17, 2025, the Gallatin County Commission adopted the County’s first Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve transportation safety for all roadway users. The Action Plan identified four primary safety focus areas—run-off-the-road crashes, intersection crashes, high-risk behaviors, and driver age—and provided countywide strategies to reduce serious and fatal crashes.
As a secondary phase to the Action Plan, the county has conducted a supplemental planning process to take a closer look at high-risk locations and community priorities identified during the Action Plan. Draft reports from this process are now available online for public review and comment through November 15, 2025 at GallatinCountySS4A.com.
“This supplemental effort builds on the foundation of the Action Plan by diving deeper into specific corridors and safety issues where community concerns and crash data intersect,” said Scott Randall, Consultant Project Manager. “By taking the next step in planning for improvements at these priority locations, Gallatin County can prepare actionable projects that will be more competitive for future funding opportunities.”
The draft reports address five focus areas:
- Run-Off-the-Road Crashes: Field reviews were conducted at the county’s highest-risk curves to develop tailored countermeasures such as signing, delineation, vegetation clearing, and long-term realignment strategies.
- Non-Motorist Safety: Projects from the county’s transportation plan were prioritized to help guide implementation of walking and biking facilities. The prioritization framework considered connectivity, anticipated demand, safety risk, and cost-effectiveness.
- Love Lane / East Valley Center Road: An Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) was conducted to compare various alternatives to address safety and traffic needs. A roundabout was identified as the preferred long-term solution, with potential interim options also considered.
- Baxter Lane Corridor: A planning-level assessment was conducted to examine the feasibility of expanding Baxter Lane to a three-lane cross-section with multimodal facilities. Short-term safety enhancements were also explored.
- Gooch Hill Road Corridor: A detailed review of this high-crash corridor resulted in recommendations for curve treatments, intersection upgrades, and eventual partial corridor reconstruction to respond to growth.
The public is encouraged to review the reports and share feedback by November 15, 2025. Comments will help refine recommendations before final adoption.
About the SS4A Program
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program is a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Transportation to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. With its Action Plan adopted, Gallatin County is now eligible to pursue federal funding for implementing both countywide strategies and site-specific projects identified through supplemental planning.
Share Feedback
Feedback can be submitted at any time through the website or by contacting the consultant project manager, Scott Randall, via email at srandall@rpa-eng.com, by phone at 406-447-5005, or by mail at 3147 Saddle Drive, Helena, MT 59601.
For more information or to review the draft reports, visit GallatinCountySS4A.com.
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