Billings Heights residents are breathing a sigh of relief as officials accelerate road safety measures in response to escalating neighbor concerns. The swift action comes on the heels of a series of severe accidents at the Mary Street and Bitterroot Drive intersection, which has been a source of worry for the community for months. This intersection, situated in the Billings Heights, has seen at least three major crashes in recent months, with neighbors expressing deep fears for their safety. Amanda Rule, who lives nearby, poignantly shared, 'It could have been my child in that wreck. It's heartbreaking... you never know what could happen.' The urgency of the situation was underscored by MTN News, which reported on the neighborhood's warnings that an accident was inevitable. The city, county, and state have moved swiftly to address the issue, with the Montana Department of Transportation completing a traffic study in just two weeks. This rapid response is a testament to the commitment to public safety. The improvements include larger, edge-lit stop signs on Bitterroot Drive, stop bars painted on the approaches, reflective striping on signposts, and additional 'Stop Ahead' signage. The primary goal is to ensure drivers, especially those on Bitterroot Drive, actually stop at the intersection. However, the decision to implement a four-way stop was not supported by federal guidelines. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) found that the intersection's recorded crash data, while incomplete, did not meet the threshold requirements for an all-way stop. They also noted that the sight distance at the intersection is adequate, and traffic volumes are below the federal minimums for adding stop control on Mary Street. MDT's analysis also highlighted the potential risks of installing a four-way stop where it's not warranted, as it could lead to increased crashes due to drivers ignoring unexpected stop signs. Despite this, MDT acknowledged the need for improved safety, with nearly all recent angle crashes involving northbound drivers failing to yield. Video footage also captured instances of drivers running stop signs, emphasizing the ongoing danger. In the long term, higher-cost solutions such as overhead beacons, new roadway lighting, or traffic signals are under consideration, but these will require further study and funding. The Billings Bypass construction, expected in five years, may also impact the intersection's configuration. While the immediate upgrades are a welcome step, neighbors like Rule remain vigilant, recognizing that more needs to be done. The improvements are set to commence during the week of December 1-5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in addressing the safety concerns of the Billings Heights community.
