KALISPELL — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) held an open house Tuesday night at Smith Valley School outside of Kalispell.
Transportation officials discussed needed improvements to Batavia Lane and U.S. Highway 2 West intersection with community residents.
The current speed limit at the intersection is 45 mph and officials have deemed the area to be at high-risk for severe crashes.
Data from the MDT shows 18 crashes occurred at the intersection between 2005 and 2017.
MDT research also shows almost 2,000 vehicles travel on Batavia Lane each day.
Russ Geldrich, who had two children attend the Smith Valley School District, said student safety should be top priority for transportation officials.
“There’s not enough room to build a super highway with turn lanes, it all comes down to speed and people paying attention,” said Geldrich.
The MDT will continue to gather public input in the coming months.
Officials said there is no timetable for intersection improvement decisions.
