Where should bike paths be developed? What streets need a street light? A stop sign? A turn lane? Long term improvements?

The city of Columbia Falls will look to answer those and other questions in the coming months as it looks to develop a 20-year transportation plan.

Led by KLJ Engineering, the plan focuses on a balanced approach to meet future transportation demands and improve transportation options such as biking, walking and public transit.

The first step in the process is developing a set of existing issues and needs. Interested persons are encouraged to participate in an issues and needs survey available through the project webpage columbiafalls.transportationplan.net.

The survey allows for an interactive discussion of transportation issues and needs within the study area.

The plan will be supported through a comprehensive public engagement process to provide residents an opportunity to get involved and have their voices heard.

Folks who are interested can also attend a listening session on Thursday, Oct. 15. from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the city fire hall.

Each session starts with a presentation followed by a workshop-style discussion among participants and the project team. More information is available at columbiafalls. transportationplan.net.

To ensure social distancing for the Columbia Falls sessions, in-person attendance will be limited at each session. Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP by sending an email to KLJ project manager, Wade Kline at [email protected]. A pre-recorded presentation will be available for those who do not wish to attend the in-person meetings.

The presentation will be posted online at columbiafalls. transportationplan.net.