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).
Q & A Session
The Fowler Avenue Connection project has moved into the design phase and we appreciate all who have followed along and given feedback on this project so far. We recognize there may be many questions out there and we want to provide a space for you to ask those questions and get the answers you are seeking. This virtual platform serves as an open space for community members to seek clarification, ponder perspectives, and gain insights directly from the project team. Whether it's inquiries about construction timelines, environmental impact assessments, or community benefits, the forum offers a convenient avenue for dialogue, ensuring the community is well-informed and your questions are addressed comprehensively.
As always, questions will be heavily moderated so please be respectful of your neighbors. Thank you!
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Share I am a new resident and own a home at the very end of Oliver Street. I have been out of town whenever you’ve had meetings, so unfortunately I have not been able to attend. I just learned that I can ask questions on this site. I understand you are considering a roundabout at the Durston /Fowler intersection. It seems to me that the proximity of Oliver Street to this roundabout (if Oliver is connected to this proposed new street) will only add to the congestion and create a dangerous situation for pedestrians….children in particular. Oliver is the closest dead end street to the proposed Fowler extension and I think it is too close to the proposed roundabout. I sincerely hope you will consider leaving it a dead end rather than adding to the congestion . In addition, can you please elaborate on the type of home you plan to build. I have heard that they are supposed to be more affordable housing. What specifically does that mean? Are they individual family homes, apartments, condos…. how many units, number of levels? What side street off of New Holland will the homes begin to be constructed by? Thank you. I will look forward to hearing your response. on Facebook Share I am a new resident and own a home at the very end of Oliver Street. I have been out of town whenever you’ve had meetings, so unfortunately I have not been able to attend. I just learned that I can ask questions on this site. I understand you are considering a roundabout at the Durston /Fowler intersection. It seems to me that the proximity of Oliver Street to this roundabout (if Oliver is connected to this proposed new street) will only add to the congestion and create a dangerous situation for pedestrians….children in particular. Oliver is the closest dead end street to the proposed Fowler extension and I think it is too close to the proposed roundabout. I sincerely hope you will consider leaving it a dead end rather than adding to the congestion . In addition, can you please elaborate on the type of home you plan to build. I have heard that they are supposed to be more affordable housing. What specifically does that mean? Are they individual family homes, apartments, condos…. how many units, number of levels? What side street off of New Holland will the homes begin to be constructed by? Thank you. I will look forward to hearing your response. on Twitter Share I am a new resident and own a home at the very end of Oliver Street. I have been out of town whenever you’ve had meetings, so unfortunately I have not been able to attend. I just learned that I can ask questions on this site. I understand you are considering a roundabout at the Durston /Fowler intersection. It seems to me that the proximity of Oliver Street to this roundabout (if Oliver is connected to this proposed new street) will only add to the congestion and create a dangerous situation for pedestrians….children in particular. Oliver is the closest dead end street to the proposed Fowler extension and I think it is too close to the proposed roundabout. I sincerely hope you will consider leaving it a dead end rather than adding to the congestion . In addition, can you please elaborate on the type of home you plan to build. I have heard that they are supposed to be more affordable housing. What specifically does that mean? Are they individual family homes, apartments, condos…. how many units, number of levels? What side street off of New Holland will the homes begin to be constructed by? Thank you. I will look forward to hearing your response. on Linkedin Email I am a new resident and own a home at the very end of Oliver Street. I have been out of town whenever you’ve had meetings, so unfortunately I have not been able to attend. I just learned that I can ask questions on this site. I understand you are considering a roundabout at the Durston /Fowler intersection. It seems to me that the proximity of Oliver Street to this roundabout (if Oliver is connected to this proposed new street) will only add to the congestion and create a dangerous situation for pedestrians….children in particular. Oliver is the closest dead end street to the proposed Fowler extension and I think it is too close to the proposed roundabout. I sincerely hope you will consider leaving it a dead end rather than adding to the congestion . In addition, can you please elaborate on the type of home you plan to build. I have heard that they are supposed to be more affordable housing. What specifically does that mean? Are they individual family homes, apartments, condos…. how many units, number of levels? What side street off of New Holland will the homes begin to be constructed by? Thank you. I will look forward to hearing your response. link
I am a new resident and own a home at the very end of Oliver Street. I have been out of town whenever you’ve had meetings, so unfortunately I have not been able to attend. I just learned that I can ask questions on this site. I understand you are considering a roundabout at the Durston /Fowler intersection. It seems to me that the proximity of Oliver Street to this roundabout (if Oliver is connected to this proposed new street) will only add to the congestion and create a dangerous situation for pedestrians….children in particular. Oliver is the closest dead end street to the proposed Fowler extension and I think it is too close to the proposed roundabout. I sincerely hope you will consider leaving it a dead end rather than adding to the congestion . In addition, can you please elaborate on the type of home you plan to build. I have heard that they are supposed to be more affordable housing. What specifically does that mean? Are they individual family homes, apartments, condos…. how many units, number of levels? What side street off of New Holland will the homes begin to be constructed by? Thank you. I will look forward to hearing your response.
Beth asked about 2 months agoHello and thanks for reaching out! Project design currently has the Oliver St connection to Fowler removed from the plan. The city does not intend to connect Oliver at this time.
Potential use of city-owned land for Affordable Housing adjacent to the future Fowler corridor will be advancing on its own, separate from the street project. No housing plan has been determined at this time.
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Share Is there any way to see a mock up of the proposed changes from the July meeting? Thanks! on Facebook Share Is there any way to see a mock up of the proposed changes from the July meeting? Thanks! on Twitter Share Is there any way to see a mock up of the proposed changes from the July meeting? Thanks! on Linkedin Email Is there any way to see a mock up of the proposed changes from the July meeting? Thanks! link
Is there any way to see a mock up of the proposed changes from the July meeting? Thanks!
JackKost asked 3 months agoThank you for your question. The 30% design plans that were presented at the July City Commission meeting are available on the project website under the documents section. The design team is currently reviewing the Commission's input and working on incorporating that feedback into the design. Once we have those designs/drawings updated, we will make them available to the community.
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Share With Bozeman in dire need for traffic alternative routes why is this such a hard pill to swallow? This street needs to be the 3-4 lane as far as possible to strengthen infrastructure! on Facebook Share With Bozeman in dire need for traffic alternative routes why is this such a hard pill to swallow? This street needs to be the 3-4 lane as far as possible to strengthen infrastructure! on Twitter Share With Bozeman in dire need for traffic alternative routes why is this such a hard pill to swallow? This street needs to be the 3-4 lane as far as possible to strengthen infrastructure! on Linkedin Email With Bozeman in dire need for traffic alternative routes why is this such a hard pill to swallow? This street needs to be the 3-4 lane as far as possible to strengthen infrastructure! link
With Bozeman in dire need for traffic alternative routes why is this such a hard pill to swallow? This street needs to be the 3-4 lane as far as possible to strengthen infrastructure!
DLA asked 5 months agoThank you for your perspective regarding the number of lanes for the Fowler project. We appreciate your interest in this development and encourage you to submit this as a public comment as well so our elected officials can consider it. Detailed information on how to submit a public comment is available on the City of Bozeman’s website: https://www.bozeman.net/departments/administration/city-clerk/public-comment.
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Share I have noted that the 30% design specified left turn lanes connecting Fowler to all the east-west streets in Harvest Creek. This looks a bit redundant with the exception of Annie St. which is continued on to the new high school. Connecting the other five Harvest Creek streets to Fowler as well as left turn lanes at each of them is hardly necessary. New Holland Drive serves this purpose. By connecting these five streets to Fowler you are increasing the cost of the project by perhaps $250K for each street. These five streets have been dead end streets for 20 years. All that is necessary is to run the sidewalk along Fowler closing the dead end street. I also believe that adding all these left turn lanes and connecting the streets will increase the possibility of accidents. By closing the five streets there is absolutely no possibility of any accident these five streets. Sincerely, Victor H. Hanson on Facebook Share I have noted that the 30% design specified left turn lanes connecting Fowler to all the east-west streets in Harvest Creek. This looks a bit redundant with the exception of Annie St. which is continued on to the new high school. Connecting the other five Harvest Creek streets to Fowler as well as left turn lanes at each of them is hardly necessary. New Holland Drive serves this purpose. By connecting these five streets to Fowler you are increasing the cost of the project by perhaps $250K for each street. These five streets have been dead end streets for 20 years. All that is necessary is to run the sidewalk along Fowler closing the dead end street. I also believe that adding all these left turn lanes and connecting the streets will increase the possibility of accidents. By closing the five streets there is absolutely no possibility of any accident these five streets. Sincerely, Victor H. Hanson on Twitter Share I have noted that the 30% design specified left turn lanes connecting Fowler to all the east-west streets in Harvest Creek. This looks a bit redundant with the exception of Annie St. which is continued on to the new high school. Connecting the other five Harvest Creek streets to Fowler as well as left turn lanes at each of them is hardly necessary. New Holland Drive serves this purpose. By connecting these five streets to Fowler you are increasing the cost of the project by perhaps $250K for each street. These five streets have been dead end streets for 20 years. All that is necessary is to run the sidewalk along Fowler closing the dead end street. I also believe that adding all these left turn lanes and connecting the streets will increase the possibility of accidents. By closing the five streets there is absolutely no possibility of any accident these five streets. Sincerely, Victor H. Hanson on Linkedin Email I have noted that the 30% design specified left turn lanes connecting Fowler to all the east-west streets in Harvest Creek. This looks a bit redundant with the exception of Annie St. which is continued on to the new high school. Connecting the other five Harvest Creek streets to Fowler as well as left turn lanes at each of them is hardly necessary. New Holland Drive serves this purpose. By connecting these five streets to Fowler you are increasing the cost of the project by perhaps $250K for each street. These five streets have been dead end streets for 20 years. All that is necessary is to run the sidewalk along Fowler closing the dead end street. I also believe that adding all these left turn lanes and connecting the streets will increase the possibility of accidents. By closing the five streets there is absolutely no possibility of any accident these five streets. Sincerely, Victor H. Hanson link
I have noted that the 30% design specified left turn lanes connecting Fowler to all the east-west streets in Harvest Creek. This looks a bit redundant with the exception of Annie St. which is continued on to the new high school. Connecting the other five Harvest Creek streets to Fowler as well as left turn lanes at each of them is hardly necessary. New Holland Drive serves this purpose. By connecting these five streets to Fowler you are increasing the cost of the project by perhaps $250K for each street. These five streets have been dead end streets for 20 years. All that is necessary is to run the sidewalk along Fowler closing the dead end street. I also believe that adding all these left turn lanes and connecting the streets will increase the possibility of accidents. By closing the five streets there is absolutely no possibility of any accident these five streets. Sincerely, Victor H. Hanson
bznvic asked 7 months agoThank you for sharing your concerns about the 30% design plans for Fowler Avenue. We appreciate your detailed feedback and understand the points you've raised regarding the left turn lanes and connections to the east-west streets in Harvest Creek. Here’s why these design decisions have been proposed in the 30% Design plans:
Traffic Distribution: By connecting multiple streets to Fowler Avenue, we aim to distribute traffic more evenly across the network. This helps to prevent congestion on any single street, such as New Holland Drive, and improves overall traffic flow.
Accessibility and Connectivity: Enhanced connectivity provides better access for residents, emergency services, and school-related traffic, especially considering the new high school off of Annie Street. This is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient travel throughout the neighborhood. In addition, Fowler is considered a minor arterial, so the intent is to collect the majority of the Northbound and Southbound traffic from the neighborhoods in the area. For this to be successful, the local streets would need to be connected.
Safety Considerations: While it's true that more intersections can potentially lead to more vehicular conflicts, proper design and traffic control measures can mitigate these risks. Adding left turn lanes with adequate signage and potentially signalization can improve safety by providing designated spaces for turning, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions and other common traffic incidents.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: The initial investment in connecting these streets may seem high, but the long-term benefits of improved traffic flow, reduced congestion, and better emergency response times can justify these costs. We aim to balance the upfront expenses with long-term community benefits.
In the next phase of the project we are going to evaluate the secondary impacts of these connections. This includes looking at whether traffic control, such as four way stop signs or traffic calming, such as curb extensions or traffic circles, would be needed. Your input, along with feedback from other residents, is crucial in refining these plans. We will review the concerns about potential costs and accident risks with our design team to see if adjustments or additional safety measures are necessary.
We are committed to making Fowler Avenue a safe, efficient, and well-connected corridor for all residents. Your feedback helps us achieve that goal, and we encourage you to stay engaged as the project progresses. Thank you again for your valuable insights.
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Share Can you review the dates and phases of the project? on Facebook Share Can you review the dates and phases of the project? on Twitter Share Can you review the dates and phases of the project? on Linkedin Email Can you review the dates and phases of the project? link
Can you review the dates and phases of the project?
7 months agoPhase one, the north section from Oak to Durston is currently expected to go to construction in 2026. Phase two from Durston to Babcock in 2027. Phase three Babcock to Huffine in 2028. The intersection of Huffine and Fowler could potentially start in 2029. All dates and timing are subject to change.
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Share Will the City build fencing along the boundaries with private property so walkers/bikers/dogs/etc. don’t trespass? on Facebook Share Will the City build fencing along the boundaries with private property so walkers/bikers/dogs/etc. don’t trespass? on Twitter Share Will the City build fencing along the boundaries with private property so walkers/bikers/dogs/etc. don’t trespass? on Linkedin Email Will the City build fencing along the boundaries with private property so walkers/bikers/dogs/etc. don’t trespass? link
Will the City build fencing along the boundaries with private property so walkers/bikers/dogs/etc. don’t trespass?
7 months agoTypically, the City does not build fences along private property. At this time there are no plans to build fencing along the private property boundaries.
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Share Where on the west side of town are we going to have a green walking/biking only avenue? on Facebook Share Where on the west side of town are we going to have a green walking/biking only avenue? on Twitter Share Where on the west side of town are we going to have a green walking/biking only avenue? on Linkedin Email Where on the west side of town are we going to have a green walking/biking only avenue? link
Where on the west side of town are we going to have a green walking/biking only avenue?
7 months agoThe City’s Parks Department anticipates to begin master planning for an “anchor route” (please refer to the Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan) along existing and future portions of the greenway from Bozeman Pond Park north to East Valley Center. An additional anchor route has been identified in the PRAT plan west of the Fowler corridor.
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Share Can the plan be amended to provide more buffer and noise barriers by eliminating one of the two recreation trails? Do we really need two? on Facebook Share Can the plan be amended to provide more buffer and noise barriers by eliminating one of the two recreation trails? Do we really need two? on Twitter Share Can the plan be amended to provide more buffer and noise barriers by eliminating one of the two recreation trails? Do we really need two? on Linkedin Email Can the plan be amended to provide more buffer and noise barriers by eliminating one of the two recreation trails? Do we really need two? link
Can the plan be amended to provide more buffer and noise barriers by eliminating one of the two recreation trails? Do we really need two?
7 months agoAt this time, we intend to continue the shared-use paths on either side of Fowler between Durston and Oak. In addition, we hope to use mounds, topography, trees, and vegetation in lieu of fences in order to buffer the road from the adjacent neighborhoods. Those detailed design type discussions will take place during the 60% and 90% design phases.
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Share How many trees will you remove? on Facebook Share How many trees will you remove? on Twitter Share How many trees will you remove? on Linkedin Email How many trees will you remove? link
How many trees will you remove?
7 months agoBetween the Durston and Babcock section, we expect to preserve approximately 150 of the existing 200 trees. In addition, we will be adding 250 new trees to the corridor.
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Share What happens 60% to 100% project phases? on Facebook Share What happens 60% to 100% project phases? on Twitter Share What happens 60% to 100% project phases? on Linkedin Email What happens 60% to 100% project phases? link
What happens 60% to 100% project phases?
7 months agoDuring the 60% and 90% design phases, our project team will dive deeper into design, examining and refining details such as intersection crossings, boulevard trees, stormwater, and all the fine details required prior to construction.
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Who's Listening
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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
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