Build an overpass at Will James School on Grand Ave

145

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The Issue

Every day, hundreds of students and their families face a risky journey to Will James School on Grand Avenue in Billings, Montana. The bustling traffic poses a significant threat to the safety of our children, who deserve a secure route to their learning environment. Tragically, we have already lost a young life on this stretch of road—a loss that could have been prevented with better infrastructure.

The safety of our community’s children cannot be compromised. Will James School sees significant foot traffic from students, many of whom have to navigate across Grand Avenue, a busy thoroughfare with heavy traffic and sometimes distracted drivers. Without a dedicated place to safely cross, the danger to students is ever-present, and every day without action is another day of potential tragedy.

The installation of an overpass at this critical point would provide a safe, elevated pedestrian walkway, eliminating the risk of accidents at street level. Overpasses have been proven to reduce pedestrian accidents significantly; according to the Federal Highway Administration, properly placed overpasses can diminish pedestrian injuries by up to 90 percent.

Additionally, this improvement isn't just about preventing tragic accidents. It's also about fostering a safer, community-friendly environment that encourages walking and biking. Such infrastructure has long-term health benefits, reduces traffic congestion, and contributes to lower carbon emissions, making our community greener and more livable.

Constructing an overpass requires support from local government officials and funds dedication. We need the City of Billings and Yellowstone County to prioritize our children's safety and commit resources to this life-saving project. Collaboration with urban planners and community stakeholders is crucial to getting this done right.

We can't afford to wait for another accident to spur action. By signing this petition, you are urging local authorities to take immediate steps toward building an overpass at Will James School on Grand Avenue. Let’s prevent another senseless tragedy before it happens and show our kids we value their safety above all else.

Sign this petition to make our community safer for all children.

The Decision Makers

Billings City Council
4 Members
Mike Boyett
Billings City Council - Ward 5
Tony O'Donnell
Billings City Council - Ward 5
Scott Aspenlieder
Billings City Council - Ward 4
Mike Nelson
Billings City Mayor

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates