Fowler Avenue Connection
The Fowler Avenue Connection Project will connect Fowler Avenue from Oak Street to Huffine Lane. This project has moved into the design phase. Thanks so much to all who have followed along and given feedback on this project so far.
Based on pre-design comments, analysis, and City Commission direction, the project team has moved into the design phase of the project. During this phase, a 30% design has been developed and the project team is ready to share with the community. The 30% design Plans are located under the documents section on the right hand side of the page. Please reach out if you have trouble locating them.
We recognize there may be questions regarding the 30% design plans, so we’ve set up a Q&A forum on the website. Simply navigate to the Q&A Session tab below and post your questions. Our team will respond so everyone can see the conversation.
As the project moves throughout the design phase, the project team will continue to keep you informed throughout this next phase and let you know about upcoming opportunities to provide your input.
Register to participate in the online Q & A forum and receive email updates from the team. Thank you for your interest in this project. We’re glad you’re here!
A little background on the project:
The Fowler Avenue connection project kicked off with the pre-design phase in the fall of 2021. During this phase, the project team focused on understanding existing conditions along the corridor, including environmental and traffic analyses, gathering input from the community on design elements, and estimating potential costs.
By August of 2022, the project team provided a final Pre-Design Report and conducted a work session on the next steps for the project with the Transportation Advisory Board and the City Commission. After hearing a summary of community input and the traffic and environmental analyses, City Commission directed staff to move into the design phase of the project.
Based on pre-design comments, analysis, and City Commission direction, the project team has moved into the design phase of the project. During this phase, a thirty percent (30%) design has been developed and the project team is ready to share it with the community. At this stage, the basic layout and some key details have been outlined, but the design will become more refined as it progresses into the 60% design (estimated completion September 2024) and 90% design phases (estimated completion January 2025).
The Fowler Avenue Connection Project will connect Fowler Avenue from Oak Street to Huffine Lane. This project has moved into the design phase. Thanks so much to all who have followed along and given feedback on this project so far.
Based on pre-design comments, analysis, and City Commission direction, the project team has moved into the design phase of the project. During this phase, a 30% design has been developed and the project team is ready to share with the community. The 30% design Plans are located under the documents section on the right hand side of the page. Please reach out if you have trouble locating them.
We recognize there may be questions regarding the 30% design plans, so we’ve set up a Q&A forum on the website. Simply navigate to the Q&A Session tab below and post your questions. Our team will respond so everyone can see the conversation.
As the project moves throughout the design phase, the project team will continue to keep you informed throughout this next phase and let you know about upcoming opportunities to provide your input.
Register to participate in the online Q & A forum and receive email updates from the team. Thank you for your interest in this project. We’re glad you’re here!
A little background on the project:
The Fowler Avenue connection project kicked off with the pre-design phase in the fall of 2021. During this phase, the project team focused on understanding existing conditions along the corridor, including environmental and traffic analyses, gathering input from the community on design elements, and estimating potential costs.
By August of 2022, the project team provided a final Pre-Design Report and conducted a work session on the next steps for the project with the Transportation Advisory Board and the City Commission. After hearing a summary of community input and the traffic and environmental analyses, City Commission directed staff to move into the design phase of the project.
Based on pre-design comments, analysis, and City Commission direction, the project team has moved into the design phase of the project. During this phase, a thirty percent (30%) design has been developed and the project team is ready to share it with the community. At this stage, the basic layout and some key details have been outlined, but the design will become more refined as it progresses into the 60% design (estimated completion September 2024) and 90% design phases (estimated completion January 2025).
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Housing along Fowler Ave
Share Housing along Fowler Ave on Facebook Share Housing along Fowler Ave on Twitter Share Housing along Fowler Ave on Linkedin Email Housing along Fowler Ave linkIf you're interested in the Fowler Avenue Connection, you might be aware that the possibility exists for using some city-owned lands next to the street for affordable housing. While this housing effort is separate from the street project, you may be interested in learning more about an item on tonight's City Commission agenda. Under Consent, item F6 is a task order that would allow our consultant, Sanbell, to provide planning services for the annexation and zoning of City-owned property along Fowler Avenue. That means that our consultant in the coming months will be helping to establish how the property gets zoned and annexed, and we want our community to get involved in this effort early on and be a part of that process.
This property was purchased by the City over 10 years ago and is currently a part of Gallatin County. If the item passes and the work is performed, we will eventually have the rare opportunity to solicit proposals from developers on how they would create affordable housing on this property. Annexation and zoning by the city instead of selling the land directly to developers allows the public to lead on important zoning proposals that would typically be the responsibility of the developer. The possibilities are open at this point, and we want to create housing that our community feels excited about. That's why it's important to be aware now - establishing zoning will provide a framework for what types of housing proposals eventually get submitted.
If you're interested, stay tuned for more information shared through this platform on how to get involved in future engagement on this topic. We look forward to collaborating with you in the new year!
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City Commission Recap and Direction
Share City Commission Recap and Direction on Facebook Share City Commission Recap and Direction on Twitter Share City Commission Recap and Direction on Linkedin Email City Commission Recap and Direction linkOn July 16, 2024, the Director of Transportation and Engineering, Nick Ross, presented an update on the Fowler Avenue project (from Huffine Lane to Oak Street) to the City Commission. The presentation covered the project's background, timeline, community feedback, and design updates. The City Commission reviewed the 30% design plans and provided feedback, including changes to curb and turn lanes, path widths, street connections, and the addition of features like mini roundabouts and raised intersections. The focus was on improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring the project aligns with community needs.
Key recommendations include:
Oak to Durston Section
- Removal of all median curb and all left turn lanes, except the turn lanes at the Oak and Durston intersection
- Provide consistent 7-foot boulevard and 10-foot shared use paths
- Reduce harvest Creek buffer from 30-feet to 15-feet
- Add a mini roundabout at Anne Street intersection and to maintain a 37-foot width of Annie Street west Fowler until 48-foot transition at western limits of project
- Remove street connections for Farmall Street, Lily Drive, and Oliver Street
Durston to Babcock Section
- Provide consistent 7-foot boulevard and 10-foot shared use paths
- Remove bike lane
- Relocate east curb line
- Widen east sidewalk to 10-feet
- Include street trees
- Add a raised intersection and sidewalk connections to shared use path at Jennifer Street
- Remove street connection to Cascade Street
Babcock to Huffine Section
- Removal of bike lane
- Relocate west curb line
- Widen west sidewalk to 10-feet
- Include street trees
- Investigate feasibility of pedestrian underpass at Huffine
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Update on City Commission Schedule
Share Update on City Commission Schedule on Facebook Share Update on City Commission Schedule on Twitter Share Update on City Commission Schedule on Linkedin Email Update on City Commission Schedule linkDue to time constraints, Bozeman City Commission has moved the Fowler Avenue Connection work session to July 16, 2024.
Any written public comment received and intended for the previously scheduled City Commission meeting will be saved and considered at the July 16 meeting.
This meeting will seek policy-level feedback on the proposed design's compliance with the project approach defined through the Pre-Design phase of the project. You can join the meetings in person or online.
Links to join and agenda will be posted on the city website the week prior to the meeting:
Public comment on the project is welcome and can be provided in-person or online during the meeting or by writing to comments@bozeman.net.
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Fowler Walking Tour
Share Fowler Walking Tour on Facebook Share Fowler Walking Tour on Twitter Share Fowler Walking Tour on Linkedin Email Fowler Walking Tour linkInterested community members are invited to learn more about the 30% design for the future Fowler Avenue Corridor through a guided walking tour starting at Oak St. and heading towards Durston Avenue.
Date: Wednesday, June 12th
Time: 6:00 PM
Meeting Spot: Dinosaur Park, 1707 Vaquero Pkwy
Tour Location: Oak St. and Fowler Avenue
We will walk for about 90 minutes to review the 30% design plans, including the proposed 2-lane configuration, intersection designs, multimodal facilities, and landscaping.
What to Bring:
- Good walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Safety guidelines will be provided. We look forward to your participation!
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Upcoming Meetings
Share Upcoming Meetings on Facebook Share Upcoming Meetings on Twitter Share Upcoming Meetings on Linkedin Email Upcoming Meetings linkThe Transportation & Engineering Department has reached the 30% design phase of the Fowler Avenue Connection project and will be providing a special presentation to the Transportation Board and the City Commission.
- Transportation Board on May 22, 2024, at 6:00 pm
- City Commission on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Both meetings will seek policy-level feedback on the proposed design's compliance with the project approach defined through the Pre-Design phase of the project. You can join the meetings in person or online.
Links to join and agendas will be posted on the city website the week prior to the meetings:
Public comment on the project is welcome and can be provided in-person or online during the meeting or by writing to comments@bozeman.net.
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Fowler Community Event - Thank You!
Share Fowler Community Event - Thank You! on Facebook Share Fowler Community Event - Thank You! on Twitter Share Fowler Community Event - Thank You! on Linkedin Email Fowler Community Event - Thank You! linkThank you to everyone who was able to come out to the Fowler Avenue Connection Community Event on May 8, 2024. Your presence, questions, and discussions were invaluable and created a meaningful and productive atmosphere. For those who were unable to attend or if you would like a recap, the 30% design plans, the boards that were on display, and the presentation from the community event are available on the website. You can find the boards and the 30% design plans on the right-hand side of the page under the "documents" section. The presentation is located under the "videos" section.
If you have additional questions or questions that we were not able to get to during the event, we have created a Q & A section where you can post your questions and our team will answer. Look for the Q & A section on the homepage, mid-way down the page.
We truly value your involvement and hope to continue working together to strengthen our community. Please reach out to any of the project team should you need anything else!
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Design Phase Continues
Share Design Phase Continues on Facebook Share Design Phase Continues on Twitter Share Design Phase Continues on Linkedin Email Design Phase Continues linkBased on pre-design comments, analysis, and City Commission direction, the project team has moved into the design phase of the project. During this phase, a 30% design has been developed and the project team is ready to share with the community.
Please join us for the Fowler Avenue Connection Community Event!
When: May 8, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Where: Bozeman Public Safety Center; Chuck Winn Community Room located at 901 N. Rouse Avenue Bozeman, MT
Can't attend in-person? There is a virtual option for this event. Join us at 6:30 via Zoom to listen to the presentation and participate in the question and answer session: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEofumtrjIsGNRTrsuO0qRjISjG2YWZDHje
What: The project team will present the designs, discuss key elements, and answer any questions the community may have. The presentation starts promptly at 6:30 pm followed by a question and answer session.
Can’t attend at all? No problem, our project team is still happy to answer your questions. We’ve set up a Q&A forum on the website - simply navigate to the Q&A Session tab and post your questions. Our team will respond so everyone can see the conversation.
As the project moves throughout the design phase, the project team will continue to keep you informed throughout this next phase and let you know about upcoming opportunities to provide your input.
Thanks for all of your interest and input in this project so far. We look forward to chatting with you more!
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Checking back in on the Fowler Avenue Connection
Share Checking back in on the Fowler Avenue Connection on Facebook Share Checking back in on the Fowler Avenue Connection on Twitter Share Checking back in on the Fowler Avenue Connection on Linkedin Email Checking back in on the Fowler Avenue Connection linkHappy Fall from the Fowler project team! We've updated the background section of this project and are chiming in here with a brief update.
The city is continuing to plan for this project as we refine cost estimates and begin to develop more detailed designs for this new connection based on public input and direction from the City Commission.
One of the ways we’re doing this is through the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This is a five year financial planning tool that the city updates every year. It ensures that we are looking ahead to provide schedules and cost estimates to improve and maintain city facilities, parks, and transportation infrastructure. The Fowler Avenue Connection Project will be a major component of the CIP this year.
The CIP goes through the typical public meeting process and will be presented to the Transportation Advisory Board at their meeting on October 25th, and City Commission at their meeting on December 12th. Head to bozeman.net/meetings where meeting agendas, materials, and links to join virtually will be posted 3 days before the meeting.
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Pre-design report published!
Share Pre-design report published! on Facebook Share Pre-design report published! on Twitter Share Pre-design report published! on Linkedin Email Pre-design report published! linkYou can find the Pre-Design Report in the documents section to the right! This report captures all of the background on the project, analysis of existing conditions, future traffic models, and what we've heard from the community so far.
The tools on the project page are currently closed, and you can provide your public comment to the project team and City Commission by emailing agenda@bozeman.net.
We will continue to keep you informed throughout the design stage and let you know about additional engagement opportunities and ways to provide your input here on the Engage Bozeman project page.
If you haven't yet done so, please sign up for email newsletters by clicking "Subscribe" in the lower right hand side of this page!
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Transportation Board meeting materials
Share Transportation Board meeting materials on Facebook Share Transportation Board meeting materials on Twitter Share Transportation Board meeting materials on Linkedin Email Transportation Board meeting materials linkHello all,
Please find the agenda and meeting materials for the Transportation Board meeting on Wednesday 7/27 on the city's website at www.bozeman.net/meetings. The Fowler Ave Connection will be the first action item on the agenda after the general public comment period. There will also be public comment on this action item specifically after the project team presentation and questions from the board members.
Thank you!
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Who's Listening
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NR
Email nross@bozeman.net -
Email tclark@bozeman.net -
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Phone 406- 922-4330 Email dtolhurst@sandersonstewart.com
Lifecycle
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Fall 2021
Fowler Avenue Connection has finished this stageProject Initiation
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Summer 2022
Fowler Avenue Connection has finished this stagePre-design report and City Commission presentation
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Fall-Winter 2023
Fowler Avenue Connection has finished this stageCost estimates
Design phase
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Spring-Summer 2024
Fowler Avenue Connection is currently at this stage30% Design Phase Wrap-up
Community Engagement Events
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Fall 2024
this is an upcoming stage for Fowler Avenue Connection60% Design Phase
Community Engagement Events
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Fall-Winter 2024
this is an upcoming stage for Fowler Avenue Connection90% Design Phase
Community Engagement Events
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Summer 2025
this is an upcoming stage for Fowler Avenue ConnectionDesign Phase Complete
Documents
- Fowler Pre-Design Report 8.1.2022 (8.51 MB) (pdf)
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Fowler Pre-Design Report Appendices
- Appendix A - Traffic volume data.pdf (1.53 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix B - Existing capacity calcs.pdf (1.21 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix C - Volume projection memo.pdf (11.5 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix E - Signal warrants.pdf (4.14 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix D - Future capacity.pdf (5.34 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix F - Opinions of propable cost.pdf (560 KB) (pdf)
- Appendix G - Community engagement.pdf (15.6 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix H - Environmental documentation.pdf (10.2 MB) (pdf)
- Appendix I - Geotechnical report.pdf (7.4 MB) (pdf)
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Community Engagement Summaries
- Engagement Summary Transportation Board.pdf (212 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary - Community Services.pdf (148 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary - Neighborhood Focus Group #1 (150 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary - Schools Focus Group.pdf (162 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary - InterNeighborhood Council (INC) (263 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary - Natural Resources Focus Group.pdf (163 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary HOA Focus Group.pdf (162 KB) (pdf)
- Engagement Summary Transportation Focus Group.pdf (164 KB) (pdf)
- Fowler Engagement Summary Field Trip #1.pdf (173 KB) (pdf)
- Fowler Engagement Summary Field Trip #3.pdf (158 KB) (pdf)
- Fowler Engagement Summary Field Trip #2.pdf (170 KB) (pdf)
- Fowler Community Engagement Meeting Slides.pdf (5.67 MB) (pdf)
- Fowler Open House Presentation Boards.pdf (21.4 MB) (pdf)
- Bozeman Commission Meeting Fowler 021522.pdf (3.17 MB) (pdf)
- Fowler City Commission Staff Report (186 KB) (pdf)
- 21263-01-FOWLER_30%_WEBSITE.pdf (147 MB) (pdf)
- Open House Boards_050824.pdf (103 MB) (pdf)
Project Events
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June 12 2024
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July 16 2024
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May 22 2024
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May 08 2024
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August 02 2022
We're in the News!
Videos
- Fowler Avenue Connection Community event presentation, hosted at the Public Safety Center by the City of Bozeman and Sanderson Stewart on May 8, 2024.
- City Staff and consultant Sanderson Stewart presented an overview of the Fowler Avenue Connection project to the Bozeman City Commission at their meeting on February 15, 2022. A full version of the meeting, including the meeting agenda, can be found on the City's website under "City Commission Video"
- Drone video of the Fowler Avenue area from Huffine Lane to the Oak Street roundabout.
- On April 27th the Transportation Advisory board discussed the design alternatives posed to all of our focus group participants. You can check out what we heard from the board on lane configuration, intersection connections, multimodal infrastructure, and streetscaping in the video below! Discussion begins around 54:11.
- See how each intersection option for Fowler would operate in this traffic simulation video.
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Level of Engagement
Inform: Giving information to the community
Consult: Asking for the community's input on alternatives