Public Comment. Volume III - Montana Legislature

DRAFT, 4/9/85 13
appropriate . agency.. In the. absence of such
requirements , the Appkicant should endeavur - to
maintain at least one open lane' of traffic at all
times. Specific plans should be developed by the
Applicant, and adhered to by contractors, to
assure the quick passage of emergency vehicles,
These plans should be coordinated through
appropriate local agencies.
(5) The Montana Department of Highways will provide
various guidelines and stipulations' for crossing
such highways as Interstate 94 and U.S. 212.
Maintaining normal traffic flows on these roadways
throughout construction should be the principal
goal of mitigation planning. When this is not
possible, the Applicant should provide temporary
detours and comply with mitigation measures
required by state or local agencies.
(6 In those instances where the disruption of normal
traffic patterns or the temporary blockage of
important roads or highways is inevitable, the
Applicant should work with the Montana Department
of Highways or other appropriate agencies and the
contractors to develop plans to time construction
activities to coincide with periods of least
impact. This may include such measures as working
through the night time hours, or perhaps around
the clock to speed construction in some locations.
4.3 Operational Impacts
A significant impact from operation of trains along the
new railroad line wi'll be traffic delays at crossings which
are not grade separated. Just as important, but less frequent,
is the possibility of accidents involving trains and
vehicles or pedestrians. To address that impact, the Applicant
should
.*.> .. . undertake the following: ,
(1) All grade crossings of the new rail line by public
roadways should be equipped with warning signs and
devices in compliance with 'current state and
federal regulations, requirements and suggestions.
To determine the appropriate warning devices for
each new. crossing, the policy for Railroad
Crossing Protection of the Montana Department of
Highways should be applied - to each crossing, and
the appropriate measures implemented,
-1 96- Volume Ill: Public Comment