FINLEY POINT — As scrutiny concerning the safety of Montana Highway 35 continues, the Finley Point Fire Station is taking proactive steps to improve the situation.

The department has plans to buy and install a flashing yellow light 500 feet north of the station to alert vehicles traveling southbound of fire vehicles leaving or entering the station, FPVFD Chief Chris Ricciardi said.

“The light will operate on a remote, so it won’t constantly blink,” he said. “We’ve wanted to get a light up for a long time.”

The light will operate with a solar panel, saving the department electricity costs and being environmentally friendly.

Ricciardi said an earlier attempt resulted in the county denying the plan, and instead installing a blinking light down at Fulkerson’s corner. The fire department has been discussing the light since around September 2009, and contacted the Montana Department of Transportation to discuss a permit or variance to allow the light. This time, the MDT only had to give clearance, and the department will pay for and install the light themselves.

“They gave us an encroachment permit to put up the light and we’ll take care of the rest,” Ricciardi said. “As the fire department, we decided to do all the legwork.”

Ricciardi estimates the project will cost almost $7,000 and that the department will hold fundraising events, including their annual barbecue held in May, to come up with the funds. He said money raised will be put right back into the community by creating a useful tool for all using the roadway. The department hopes to have the light fully functional by June.

MDT Director Jim Lynch was more than happy to grant the department the permit, free of charge.

“Any time they use state highway land, they need a permit because it will be their light and they’ll activate it,” Lynch said.

The cries for increased safety measures on Hwy 35 have intensified after a series of tanker truck accidents along the two-lane roadway. The most serious, an April 2008 crash that resulted in 60,000 gallons of spilled fuel, is still fresh in community members minds. Just last week, the MDT installed new signs with a number for citizens to report dangerous drivers.

Ricciardi hopes the new measures will decrease accidents and prevent injuries or fatalities.

“The first thing is loss of life or injury,” he said. “Sometimes people aren’t paying attention or texting or something. The other thing is a loss of equipment. Our structure truck costs $350,000. It’s very important to get [the light] done.”

Lynch agreed with the safety aspect of the new light.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Lynch said. “The fire department has been very responsible in trying to improve safety. I think we’re moving forward, and anything that is being done to improve safety is a good thing.”