County agrees with intersection concerns

Flathead County commissioners agreed with a Meadow Hills Drive resident Jolene Groves to request a state transportation department review of safety issues at the intersections of U.S. 2 West with West Springcreek Road and Derns Road.

That three-way intersection “is crazy” at peak commuting times, Groves told commissioners.

“It’s terrifying in the morning and late afternoon,” she said, because of the 60 mph posted speed limit.

Groves and her husband have lived there since 2008.

People have been injured in accidents at the intersection, she said, including a recent accident in which one person “lost his arm” and a toddler sustained a broken arm.

Commissioners have heard complaints about the intersection from other residents, but because U.S. 2 is a state-maintained highway, the Montana Department of Transportation must make decisions about road and intersection improvements there.

Transportation department officials are aware of the county’s and residents’ concerns, Commissioner Dale Lauman said.

“But we need to move beyond that and press for a change,” he said. “It’s a problem and needs to be addressed.”

Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or sridenour@dailyinterlake.com.