The effort to limit the impact of increasing tractor trailer traffic in the Madison and Gallatin Valleys continues, spearheaded by the Citizens Road Alliance (formerly Preserve Our Valleys). The Corporation is a public benefit, charitable corporation to slow, restrict, monitor and/or eliminate trucking over and along  roads through the Yellowstone Ecosystem, specifically U.S. Highway 287, MT Highway  87, MT Highway 84, Idaho  87, U.S. Hwy. 20, U.S. Hwy.  191, and other local roadways in Madison County, Montana, and any other related activities. The map below highlights the state highways and borders of the affected areas.

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Residents are well aware of this upsurge and the dangers posed to drivers, wildlife and environment. Recent semi accidents on Hwys 287 and 84 illustrate the threat. The trailer that overturned due to a “shift in the load” was hauling minerals, but the potential for a hazardous waste accident is evident in this mishap. Just last month in Cameron, a passenger vehicle was “shoved off the road” by a tractor trailer during icy conditions. The car rolled and the elderly couple sustained serious injury.

Tractor trailers often use the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 20 as a breakaway point to travel on the highways that the Citizens Road Alliance is trying to preserve. The map below illustrates the key areas and highways being affected by the influx of traffic.

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The efforts to curb the tractor trailer traffic date back to 2009 when the Montana Department of Transportation Director, Jim Lynch, told a community meeting in Ennis that truck traffic in the valley was on the increase and that no plan existed to limit its effect on resident’s quality of life. The community provided data showing minimal time and fuel differences for trucks using I-15 and I-90 for their Idaho Falls to Bozeman routes, with no response from the agency. It is the mission of Citizens Road Alliance is to raise awareness and gather support from the local community and push for legislation to preserve and protect the highways and wildlife of Montana.