Kalispell is setting its sights on a transformation of its Main Street, aiming to enhance pedestrian safety and improve the overall experience for visitors and residents. The city’s future vision includes narrowing the thoroughfare to three lanes, allowing for expanded sidewalks and outdoor dining spaces. This plan is part of the Main Street Safety Action Plan adopted by the City Council in August, and Kalispell is now exploring a federal grant to fund these changes, including redesigns for First Avenue East and First Avenue West.
Conceptual designs have been drafted for the three streets, identified as top priorities for improvement. Development Services Director Jarod Nygren highlighted ongoing adjustments to these designs based on public feedback. The Main Street Safety Action Plan emphasizes the need for enhanced safety, having recorded high crash and injury risks at several downtown roads and intersections. Between 2018 and 2022, Main Street experienced 258 crashes, First Avenue East saw 73, and First Avenue West 48. Additionally, the downtown area reported 45 pedestrian and bicycle crashes, with eight occurring on Main Street.
To address these risks, the proposed designs for Main Street and First Avenue East and West include pedestrian safety features such as flashing beacons, curb extensions, and high-visibility crosswalks. These enhancements aim to boost walkability, bike access, and storefront activity. Main Street would be reconfigured to a single lane in each direction, with a dedicated left turn lane. Sidewalks would expand to ten feet, offering space for benches and restaurant amenities. Parallel parking would remain on both sides of the street. At Main Street’s southern end, roundabouts are planned for 11th Street West and the 13th Street East/Airport Road intersection.
First Avenue East and West would feature sidewalk-level bike lanes between Fifth Street and Center Street, raised intersections to slow traffic, and curb extensions to shorten crossing distances and enhance pedestrian visibility. The street designs would also include dedicated left-turn lanes and parallel parking on both sides.
The city seeks $25 million through the Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant program to fund construction. Despite some initial uncertainty about the grant’s availability under the current presidential administration, it was confirmed to be active. The program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, involves a discretionary grant requiring up to a 20% match, which the City Council must consider. While this grant would initiate construction, it might not cover all costs, given current high expenses.
The Main Street Safety Action Plan, developed by Kittleson & Associates Inc., examined ten downtown roads. During the study, 2,234 crashes were reported, with seven fatalities and 38 serious injuries. Roads identified as high-risk, including East and West Idaho Street, Sunset Boulevard, Whitefish Stage, Conrad Drive, North Meridian, and Main Street, showed a greater likelihood for fatal or serious injury crashes. High-risk intersections were pinpointed along U.S. 93 and U.S. 2, based on speed, traffic volume, number of lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle activity. Many intersections struggle with congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Downtown Kalispell is classified as transportation disadvantaged by the U.S. Department of Transportation, indicating historical under-service based on access, safety, environmental, socioeconomic, and health factors. Earlier this year, the city conducted pop-up events and corridor-specific meetings to gather public input on the concept designs and engage with business and property owners.
Furthermore, through the same federal funding program, the city secured a $2.4 million grant in November 2024 to enhance Oregon Street, addressing speeding and safety concerns. Improvements will include high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, and two mini roundabouts. Sidewalk and curb ramp repairs are also planned for the surrounding area. The city awaits an agreement with the Federal Highways Administration to finalize funding for the Oregon Street project, expected to be completed before the downtown upgrades.
The Everyday Effect
As Kalispell moves forward with its ambitious plans to revamp Main Street and surrounding areas, residents and businesses can anticipate several positive shifts in daily life. The proposed changes are designed to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment, which could encourage increased foot traffic and business activity in the downtown area. This might lead to a boost in local commerce as more visitors and residents enjoy leisurely strolls, shop, and dine in the enhanced spaces.
From a safety perspective, the focus on reducing crashes and injuries is crucial for improving community well-being. The introduction of pedestrian safety features and streamlined traffic flow could significantly reduce the number of accidents, fostering a more secure setting for all. Additionally, the planned infrastructure improvements, such as wider sidewalks and bike lanes, support a healthier, more active lifestyle by promoting walking and cycling as viable transportation options.
In the broader context, these developments might influence the region’s socioeconomic landscape by making Kalispell’s downtown area more attractive to potential investors and visitors. As the city invests in its infrastructure and public safety, it may see enhanced property values and increased interest from businesses looking to capitalize on a more vibrant and accessible urban center. Overall, these efforts could contribute to a higher quality of life for residents and foster a sense of pride and community engagement.
