Missoula Neighbors Lead Accessibility Audit on West Broadway

Missoula Neighbors United conducted a detailed accessibility audit along West Broadway involving disabled residents and city planners.

The group sought to pinpoint critical sidewalk and safety improvements by engaging those directly affected. This collaboration aims to shape inclusive urban planning that reflects diverse mobility needs.

On Thursday morning, participants moved through ten stops along the corridor, including intersections at Russell, Burton, Toole, and California. Attendees scored each site based on multi-modal facilities, destinations, site design, safety, and accessibility. Disabled tenants from Eagle Watch Estates and the Bruce Blattner Building contributed firsthand perspectives before any changes are finalized. City Senior Transportation Planner Ben Weiss outlined the criteria guiding the assessment, emphasizing safety and pedestrian experience alongside accessibility. Alyxander Kurschner, a local resident, stressed the importance of creating a plan that benefits all communities, noting current curb and crossing deficiencies.

Future projects will address sidewalk repairs and safety enhancements, although specific timelines and detailed plans remain pending confirmation.

Given Montana’s wide-ranging terrain and dispersed population centers, such targeted audits could provide valuable models for balancing accessibility with practical infrastructure investment. Missoula’s approach might encourage other communities to seek direct resident input before committing to costly urban improvements.

Missoula Neighbors United holds accessibility audit for West Broadway corridor
By Emily Brown, KPAX News