Thank you to all our loyal patrons, guests and soaking enthusiasts who helped support our speed limit reduction petition. We are so very HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE that the speed limit on Hwy 135 that cuts through Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort’s (QHSR) property was reduced to 45 MPH!!! New speed limit signs were posted on April 14th and QHSR will continue to work with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to add additional safety measures at the area of crossing.
It’s been a long road!
2010 - Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort began expanding to the north side of the Highway with new lodging options on the river.
2016 - Continued expansion and massive increases in traffic in the canyon corridor led to constant worry and many ‘near’ misses but luckily no one was ever hurt.
2017 - New ownership began consulting with MDT to determine a course of action to reduce the speed limit. In November of 2017, QHSR sent letters to all Sanders County commissioners requesting attention to the matter and requesting a speed study. The following month QHSR and Camp Big Horn met with the county commissioners to explain the problem and ask for assistance.
2018 – In January, a speed study was conducted, however, the data collected was not supportive of a speed reduction. QHSR began working with counsel (Lance Jasper) on potential next steps and an injunction with the state was filed. In the summer of 2018, QHSR began working with consultant Mark Herr, who was able to assist with the proper actions to make constructive progress towards a speed reduction.
2020 – In the fall, work on Quinn’s Corridor Safety Plan began. Local Sanders County officials were brought in to see firsthand the issues we were facing and head of the Transportation Commission, Denley Loge, was at Quinn’s for a site visit. Tammi Fischer, traffic commissioner, and Mr. Loge were crucial in helping us navigate the political aspects of this process. Their support led to a request from the MDT for a proposal from QHSR/county commissioners.
2021 – In February, a revised speed letter and proposal were sent to MDT from Quinn’s via county council (at their request). To add additional pressure, Quinn’s drafted a speed limit reduction proposal for on-site guests to sign in the Fall of 2021 and the petition had great support.
In October, QHSR attended open session at the Montana Transportation Commission Meeting in Helena in order to get QHSR on the next agenda. That led to placement on the agenda for the December 2021 meeting. Mark Melief (QHSR President), Denise Moreth (QHSR General Manager) and Honorable Mrs. Brooker attended this meeting where Mr. Loge and Ms. Fischer spoke passionately in favor of a speed reduction. The end result was a 3-2 vote IN FAVOR OF REDUCING THE SPEED LIMIT!
2022 – The end of the road! This spring the reduction in speed limit has taken effect. We have already noticed a reduction in highway noise and feel more secure in our guests and staff being safe while crossing the road or turning into the property. We are very grateful for the continued support from our guests, staff, county commissioners, and the State of Montana in bringing the best and safest experience possible for our guests.
Thank you!