Public hearing held for S. Townsend plan

MONTROSE — The city council and county commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday evening as a final opportunity for concerned community members to voice their opinions about the proposed South Townsend Access Management plan.

Since 2003, county and city staff have worked with the Colorado Department of Transportation to devise a plan to eliminate some of the traffic conflict points along the busy highway.

Now, six years after discussion began, Montrose is close to action.

Community Development Director Kerwin Jensen said several open houses have allowed community members to address concerns, and notices have been sent to all businesses and landowners along the 3.3-mile stretch in question.

At the hearing, Jensen said the changes, which include median additions and fewer entry and exit points on South Townsend between Niagara and Racine, will decrease the number of conflict points and traffic congestion while increasing the level of service and traffic flow.

Overall, he said the changes would contribute to the longevity of the highway, which sees 30,000 trips per day on some portions.

The next step is for the city council and county commissioners to consider adopting the plan at separate meetings sometime in the near future.

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