New stop ahead for Stillwater/Reserve

As soon as Wednesday, a four-way stop-sign arrangement could be in place at the intersection of West Reserve Drive and Stillwater Road.

Jim Lynch, director of the Montana Department of Transportation, said on Monday that a recently concluded traffic study on the road supports the change from the existing two-way stops on Stillwater Road.

A stream of truck traffic intersects with residential traffic on what used to be lightly-traveled roads. Last year, that intersection proved deadly when a loaded dump truck collided with a 16-year-old girl's car, killing her.

Since then, Allison Fifield's parents, Paul and Marlene, have crusaded for a four-way stop there.

On Monday, Lynch said they have their wish.

A traffic study conducted by the state reached the same conclusion as another study commissioned by the Kalispell School District: A four-way stop is warranted.

Lynch said the signs could go up as soon as Wednesday.

He said Flathead County commissioners will be notified of the change. It might cause some traffic back-ups on West Reserve Drive, he said.

"It's a start. There's still more to do," Marlene Fifield said.

"It's kind of a little big victory," Paul Fifield said.

The Fifields also hope to have the speed limit reduced on West Reserve.

Lynch said a study on that request is in progress and "yet to be determined."

The Fifields also wish that drivers would comply with traffic laws and that roads would be constructed to handle the volume of traffic they serve.