SLOW installs speed indicators in Somers

Two new speed indicator signs were installed along U.S. 93 near Somers last week, thanks to two years of work by Lakeside’s Jere Newell and Saving Lives on the West Shore.

SLOW, a volunteer group, began raising the $14,500 for the project after similar signs were successful slowing traffic through Lakeside.

It took three fundraisers to pay for the Somers speed indicators, and then Newell had to begin “jumping through hoops,” he said, and filling out paperwork, before he was able to go before the Flathead County commissioners and receive approval in May. Then it was a matter of waiting for the parts to be shipped.

The last piece arrived July 15 and Stillwater Electric installed the signs last week.

Approximately 5,000 vehicles travel the U.S. 93 through Lakeside and Somers every day. Newell said it seems like more.

“We get so much traffic through here,” Newell said. “You can’t go anywhere without going up 93.”

Since forming, SLOW has maintained Lucky, installed speed indicators at both ends of Lakeside, installed a flashing crosswalk and has now completed the first project in Somers.