New traffic signal planned for Missoula's Orange and Cregg intersection

MISSOULA, Mont. – A new traffic signal is set to be installed at the busy intersection of Orange and Cregg near McCormick Park. The Missoula City Council recently approved a construction bid to enhance safety at this location.

The City Council awarded a $477,000 bid to JAG Construction for the project. The decision comes amid rising traffic volumes due to development at the old mill site, making this intersection a crucial link between downtown and the west side.

Councilmember Mike Nugent of Missoula City Council, Ward 4, noted the importance of the project. "It should provide a safer alternative for a lot of people as that area has gotten busier," he said. "You'll often see people kind of backed up trying to turn left across traffic, and it's hard to see. So I think that the intersection will be better."

Construction is expected to begin in mid-June and conclude by September. To minimize disruptions, most of the work will take place outside of rush hour.

Ryan Guelff, a transportation engineer with the City of Missoula, explained the decision to opt for a traffic signal. "A multi-lane roundabout on a street like Orange would from construction standpoint would probably cost in the neighborhood of like 3 to $4 million," he stated. "So substantially more than the funding we had secured. And, so that was, that was probably the major factor in leading us toward a signal at that location."

Additionally, crews plan to add features to improve crossing safety for people near McCormick Park.