More changes could be on the way for the Beartracks Bridge and Higgins Avenue Corridor. Missoula City Council members voted to move forward with the preferred concept and continue to engage with the community on the project.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but the goal is to develop a corridor plan that would improve safety and access for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and people riding the bus.

Some of the major changes include converting Higgins Avenue from four lanes to three, including a center turn lane and adding raised bike lanes.

"This is a hard decision, you know, it requires change. There's not enough room to do everything for everyone, and so what we set out to do was try to evaluate all the pros and cons of different changes and try to pick a concept for the corridor that works for all of those different goals." Missoula Transportation Planning Manager Aaron Wilson told City Council members.

Hundreds of residents weighed in through online surveys, in-person meetings and emails. Planners indicate most respondents are in favor of the project.

We read through some of the emails sent to City Council.

A trio of Hip Strip business owners say they support the preferred concept as an essential improvement for the safety and vitality of the neighborhood.

We support the preferred concept of the Higgins Corridor Study as an essential improvement for the safety and vitality of the neighborhood where many Missoulians live, work, and play.
Aimee McQuilken, Betty’s Divine
Charlie and Barbie Beaton, Big Dipper Ice Cream
Alex Gallego, Missoula Bicycle Works

The University District Neighborhood Leadership Team says the plan will offer improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers and a smoother flow of traffic for the thousands traveling that corridor each day.

The plan offered by the Missoula Transportation and Planning Office will offer improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, as well as a smoother flow of traffic for the thousands traveling that corridor each day.
University District Neighborhood Leadership Team

Joan Hoedel points out planners are decreasing traffic on Higgins without adding expansion elsewhere, saying we need a way to move traffic more efficiently, and this plan does the opposite.

You are decreasing traffic on Higgins without adding any expansion elsewhere. ... We need a way to move traffic more efficiently, and your plan is doing just the opposite.
Joan Hoedel

And Erin Wyckman says the goal of making Missoula safe for everyone is important, but the fact remains that most Missoulians use private motor vehicles as their primary mode of transportation.

I don’t think anyone would disagree with the goal of making Missoula safe for everyone regardless of what mode of transportation they use. However, the fact remains that most Missoulians use private motor vehicles as their primary mode of transportation.
Erin Wyckman

Wyckman spearheaded a Change.org petition that aims to stop the proposed redesign. So far it's received more than 250 signatures.

And the Missoula Chamber of Commerce sent council members a letter asking for more time before any decision is made, saying a number of businesses and Chamber members feel they did not have the opportunity to provide feedback.

Council members voted 9-2 Monday night to move forward with planning. The next step would be a grant application resolution, then continued work on design, engineering and construction details.

You can see the design concepts and leave your comments here.