Results from a state traffic study support Flathead County’s request to extend a 60 mph speed zone on U.S. 2 for another 5.3 miles west, from Batavia Road to just west of Kila Hill.

The Montana Department of Transportation study was presented to the county commissioners on Monday by Kalispell Area Traffic Engineer James Freyholtz, who noted that the state study supports the county’s desire to extend the 60 mph zone.

“This is supported in that motorists are showing a willingness to travel below the 70 mph speed limit,” the study said.

A 60 mph speed zone originally was put in place for Smith Valley School and drops to 45 mph during the school year. The latest state recommendations won’t affect that school zone.

In addition, the state has recommended the installation of a “School Advance Crossing” sign for westbound motorists at the Cottage Lane school crosswalk at Kila.

A crash history of U.S. 2 from Batavia Road to Kila Hill showed 41 crashes between Jan. 1, 2007, to Dec. 31, 2009. One of the crashes involved a pedestrian killed at night near the intersection with Judds Way. Adverse road conditions were a factor in eight crashes; nine were collisions with animals.

The study also found motorists are complying with the 60 mph zone in front of Smith Valley School. That zone extends east to Kalispell.

The commissioners agreed to write a letter to the Montana Transportation Commission in support of the study’s findings and recommendations.

The state will conduct a 60-day public comment period before making a final recommendation on the speed zone to the Montana Transportation Commission.

Comments can be sent to Freyholtz at Montana Department of Transportation Kalispell Area Office, P.O. Box 7308, Kalispell, MT 59904-0308.