Helena Advances Roundabout Plans for Last Chance Gulch Intersection

At its Administrative Meeting on November 12, city transportation staff laid out alternatives to address the congested five leg intersection at Last Chance Gulch, a junction long referred to as the mini malfunction junction. Options ranged from modest pedestrian improvements to a full modern roundabout. After discussion focused on safety, traffic flow and cost, the Helena City Commission agreed to continue roundabout design work and directed staff to return with funding options and more detailed cost information. The meeting and subsequent action were reported in a CitizenPortal roundup on November 13.

The commission decision represents the latest step in a policy thread stretching back years. Multiple past studies have recommended a roundabout at this intersection, and public input collected over time has shown mixed views about the best fix. Supporters cite potential reductions in severe crashes and improved continuous traffic flow, while skeptics raise questions about expense, construction disruption and implications for downtown access.

Local impacts are practical and immediate. The intersection sits at the heart of Helena's historic core, serving shoppers, employees, residents and visitors who frequent Main Street and nearby cultural sites. Pedestrian safety has been a repeated concern, especially during peak tourism seasons and during events that draw crowds to Last Chance Gulch. A redesign could also affect response times for emergency vehicles and deliveries to downtown businesses depending on final geometry and traffic control measures.

Cost and funding steered much of the commission discussion. Commissioners asked staff to prepare more precise estimates and to identify potential funding pathways before committing to construction. That work will determine whether the project advances quickly or requires staged construction to spread costs. The staff return is expected to outline options and trade offs, including scaled approaches that could deliver safety benefits sooner with lower up front expense.

The decision also reflects broader practice in urban design, where many cities around the world have adopted roundabouts to reduce conflict points and slow turning speeds. Helena faces the additional challenge of blending modern traffic engineering with preservation of its historic streetscape. Any design will need to account for adjacent businesses, sidewalks, accessibility standards and seasonal traffic variations.

Next steps for residents will include closer examination of the cost estimates and funding proposals when staff reports back to the commission. For downtown business owners and frequent users of the intersection, the coming months will be an important period to monitor proposed designs and timelines. The commission action on November 12 put the city on a clearer path toward resolving a long standing local congestion and safety issue, while leaving open questions about scope, cost and timing that will shape the final outcome.