MDT advances other projects to improve safety, efficiency on highways between Bozeman and Big Sky
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
As rising traffic volume adds pressure to the primary route between Bozeman and Big Sky along U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64, the Montana Department of Transportation and Big Sky Resort Area District have applied for $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to make “critical” improvements for safety and efficiency.
If approved, the grant funding would support improvements at the 191/64 intersection, and a passing lane in that northbound section of U.S. 191.
“This project aligns with our commitment to enhancing Montana’s transportation network while prioritizing safety and efficiency,” Geno Liva, MDT Butte District administrator, stated in a March 26 press release. “This project will significantly improve traffic operations and accommodate the growing needs of the Big Sky community.”
The partnership between MDT and BSRAD seeks a USDOT grant under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which replaces the former TIGER grant program through which Big Sky earned funding to improve Montana Highway 64 in the past five years.
MDT Director Chris Dorrington visited Big Sky last summer to see firsthand the traffic and safety challenges affecting residents and Big Sky’s commuting workforce.
“We understand that US 191/MT 64 plays an important role to the area’s prosperity and quality of life, and we value partnerships such as this to find solutions for communities,” Dorrington stated in an Aug. 23 release from BSRAD.
Using local resort tax reserves, BSRAD allocated roughly $10 million to purchase land in July 2024 at the intersection of highways 191 and 64 in Big Sky, with the intention of making it available for MDT renovation—possibly a roundabout, if engineers deemed it the best solution to reduce traffic congestion.
MDT continues to explore engineering options for the 191/64 intersection, and BSRAD remains committed to donating right-of-way to MDT to improve the intersection.
“The safety and efficiency of this intersection are critical to residents, visitors, and businesses in Big Sky,” stated Kevin Germain, BSRAD board chair. “Securing this federal funding would be a major step toward ensuring safer and more reliable transportation infrastructure for the entire region.”
The release noted “significant” support from federal, state county and local officials, including Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Sens. Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines, U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, as well as state legislators, mayors, and county commissioners.
The federal grant decision is anticipated for June 2025.
MDT plans to rebuild Spanish Creek bridge, Lava Lake area
On U.S. 191 in the Gallatin Canyon between Big Sky and Gallatin Gateway, MDT is prepared to work on other large-scale projects outside of the $25 million grant application.
Since October 2024, MDT has been designing a bridge replacement for Spanish Creek, ensuring the new bridge design accommodates wildlife movement while avoiding cultural site impacts.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029, and funding for design and construction has already been allocated for this project.
A few miles closer to Big Sky, officials are exploring possible alternatives to the aging bridge and sharp curves near the Lava Lake trailhead, a popular hiking area with significant pedestrian hazards. MDT anticipates it will begin a two-year design process this spring.
The project “will undergo an alternative analysis to determine the most appropriate remedy for this area. Once an alternative has been selected, final design will begin,” the release stated. In addition to Lava Lake improvements, the project will include passing lanes and turnouts in the canyon.
Officials revealed early-stage diagrams of possible highway re-routes and pedestrian improvements near Lava Lake at a public meeting in October 2024.
MDT has not yet established a construction timeline or funding for this project.
Traffic light improvements in Big Sky
To improve the timing of traffic lights along Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail) in Big Sky, MDT initiated its Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures system in mid-December 2024.
The system collects traffic signal data to support adjustments in signal timing, optimizing traffic flow.
“Data collection will continue through the summer to assess peak seasonal traffic needs,” the release stated.
As projects progress on highways 191 and 64, MDT stated the community will receive more information and opportunities to provide feedback. Community input is still welcomed through the 191/64 Optimization Plan webpage.
The release concluded, “Each of these efforts represents MDT and BSRAD’s commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in the Big Sky area.”
