Challenge
Reserve Street is one of Missoula, Montana’s busiest corridors, with recurring congestion, delays, and long queues, particularly during peak periods. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) wanted to improve traffic flow and coordination along the 5.5-mile corridor while accommodating different traffic patterns throughout the day and week.
Solution
Kittelson evaluated and retimed 12 signals along Reserve Street and at two adjacent City intersections. We used Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measure (ATSPM) data, travel times, and field observations to identify issues and develop new signal-timing plans. The changes included updated coordination plans, cycle lengths, pedestrian timing, and targeted intersection improvements. We also spent time in the field using ATSPM to monitor performance and fine tune the timing plans.
To address additional challenges in the corridor, we also identified locations where roadway geometry, turn-lane storage, and other physical constraints were limiting operations, along with potential improvements for MDT and the City to consider in future projects.
The Outcome
Signal Timing Is Everything in Missoula, Montana
The new timing plans reduced average travel times by approximately 10% in both directions, saving drivers about one minute traveling through the corridor. During the weekday p.m. peak, travel times improved by 19% southbound and 16% northbound. These improvements mean less time sitting in traffic, more reliable travel, and better traffic flow along one of Missoula’s busiest corridors.
