MDT Seeks Input on New Intersection Design North of Fairview

Sidney, Mont.- Roadway users will have an opportunity to weigh-in on potential improvements to Highway 201 (MT-201) west of Fairview through an online survey launched by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) this week or a public meeting on Nov. 29 at the Fairview Senior Center.

The efforts are being undertaken by MDT to garner feedback on a proposed reconstruction project aimed at improving safety along MT-201 and alleviating the impact of commercial truck traffic on the town of Fairview.

The project, known as Fairview West, would reconstruct 6 miles of highway west of Fairview, including 2 miles of brand new alignment between the airport and North Dakota border. To accommodate the new alignment, a separate intersection would be constructed at the junction of MT-201/ MT-200 north of the existing intersection near Interstate Avenue.

Survey respondents are asked to rank their priorities for the new intersection among choices like safety, value, and construction impacts. The next question allows respondents to rate different scenarios on a five-star scale and provide feedback on each one. At the end, users are asked questions about how frequently they travel in the area and what type of vehicle they drive.

“MDT wants to understand how local residents use the roadways, so we can deliver a safe and efficient intersection that makes sense for the community,” said Wade Salyards, adding that feedback from the survey and public meeting will help MDT select one of 3 possible configurations for the new intersection.

Salyards said the project team is also interested in learning if there are additional configurations outside of the identified alternatives that could meet the project’s objectives.

According to MDT, MT-201 was first identified for improvement in response to a large influx in traffic volumes, especially commercial truck traffic related to Bakken oil development, and the desire to improve safety by bringing the roadway up to current standards.

Over a 10-year period the segment proposed for reconstruction experienced 91 reported crashes, including 1 fatality and 5 incapacitating injuries. Off road right, rollover, and embankment crashes were among the main trends, indicating a high potential for crash reduction through reconstruction.

The project is in the preliminary design phase and is expected to be ready for construction by 2022.

Members of the public are encouraged to take the Fairview West Improvements Survey by visiting fairview.metroquest.com.

For those who would prefer to provide feedback in-person, a public meeting is scheduled for Thurs. Nov. 29 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Fairview Senior Center (217 5th St. W).

For more information, visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/fairviewwest/ or call Chris Puyear at 406-431-2499.