Lower speed limit to be studied on Wisconsin Ave.

The speed limit on Wisconsin Avenue between Labrie Drive and Big Mountain Road in Whitefish is currently posted at 45 mph, but that could change after the state conducts a speed study.

At the direction of the Whitefish City Council, the city will request that the Montana Department of Transportation conduct a speed investigation on the section of the state highway posted at 45 mph

The impetus for the study came when Whitefish resident Karin Olsen voiced her concerns about the overwhelming number of deer on the road.

“There are always deer on that road, especially on the curve by the Hidden Moose, and you can’t see them,” Olsen said.

Mayor John Muhlfeld said he would support a speed study. He has concerns about pedestrian safety near The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. He says the flashing signs at the crossing are rarely used and that few people utilize the skybridge.

The intersection with Reservoir Road is also of concern, Muhlfeld said.

“People are gunning it when they come off Big Mountain Road,” he said.

Council member Bill Kahle agreed that the area around The Lodge is of concern, “but after that 35 mph would be a snail’s pace.”

Public Works Director John Wilson noted that a speed study could allow the speed limit to go up.

“They look at the 85th percentile speed,” Wilson said. “They don’t go by popular vote or personal issues.”

Kalispell traffic engineer James Freyholtz of the Department of Transportation noted in an email to the city that a reduction in the speed limit is unlikely if deer crossing is the only basis of the study since the 85th percentile speed and traffic pace are main factors in determining what the posted speed limit should be.

According to state research, motorists traveling at and near the 85th percentile speed are the most alert and are involved in the fewest number of accidents. Motorists traveling significantly above or below that speed introduce more opportunities for traffic conflict.

A traffic study typically takes nine months to a year to complete.

Baldwin is editor of the Whitefish Pilot.