MISSOULA – Drivers seem to be catching on to a traffic revision on one of Missoula’s busiest residential intersections, but those not paying attention could be in for a nasty collision as traffic volumes pick up when schools re-open next week.
The opening of Jeanette Rankin Elementary School in November has created a shift in traffic patterns along Lower Miller Creek Road with more cars, but also school bus traffic, crowding along what is essentially a county road.
Missoula traffic engineers are implementing the first of what could be several changes, getting rid of the “free right turn” coming off Linda Vista Boulevard.
Starting Wednesday afternoon, Linda Vista vehicles have to yield to traffic on Lower Miller Creek Road, stopping entirely coming down the hill, and giving the right of way to oncoming cars before turning up the hill.
So far, it looks like most drivers are complying with the changes, although a number are doing rolling stops, or blowing through the stop sign without looking. And that could be dangerous as traffic volumes pick up when classes resume Monday.
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