No Passing Zone extensions OK'd

Drivers in a rush to pass other cars as they head into or out of Lincoln will need a little more patience in the future with the Montana Department of Transportation's approval of an extension of no-passing zones on both the east and west ends of town.

A recent review of data and field observations of traffic and driveway densities on Highway 200 near Lincoln provided justification for the extension. MDT conducted the observations on Highway 200 on both ends of Lincoln at last summer, both in person and using cameras.

According to an e-mail from MDT District Traffic Engineer Zach Moeller to Lewis and Clark County Public Works Supervisor Eric Griffith, the no-passing zones east of Lincoln will extended 2800-feet, ending 275 feet east of the Lincoln Ranger Station. The need for a no passing zone in that area arose as part of the request to lower the speed limit east of town due to recent accidents and the need to improve safety for visitors to both the Ranger Station and Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild.

West of Lincoln, MDT approved extending the no-passing zone 1340 feet to the western end of the 50 MPH speed zone past the Parker Medical Clinic.

Although the discussion of passing zones began with speed zone issues east of Lincoln, evaluation of no-passing zones required added observations. The UBVCC took the opportunity to also request a review of the no passing zones west of town. MDT approved an extension of a 50 MPH speed zone west of Lincoln several years ago to improve safety for patient and ambulance traffic into and out of the Parker Medical Clinic and the Lincoln Ambulance facility, but the passing zone ended at the clinic driveway, creating another safety concern.

Despite the approval, it may be some time before the no-passing zones are implemented. Moeller noted the work could be completed in 2023, when a project is scheduled for the Lincoln area, but also said he would work with MDT maintenance on an interim solution.

Any further information should be discussed at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Upper Blackfoot Valley Community Council, or at the Feb. 4 Lincoln Government Day meeting.