Mid-May through October, construction will magnify traffic on Highway 64
By Jack Reaney STAFF WRITER
Commuters and local drivers can expect to churn through audiobooks and podcasts this summer.
On Wednesday, April 19, the Montana Department of Transportation hosted a pair of virtual information sessions outlining summer roadwork on Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail). Beginning in mid-May and stretching through the end of September, road work will slow the traffic which has become ubiquitous in Big Sky, especially during peak seasons.
Bozeman civil engineering firm Sanderson Stewart designed the highway improvements, and Western Region Manager Danielle Scharf wrote a statement to EBS regarding the importance of this work.
“The long-term benefits of this project to the Big Sky Community include improved safety and better traffic flow,” Scharf wrote.
According to documents presented at the meeting, drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes during peak travel times. Construction will take place Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. with additional work on Saturdays as necessary.
Numbered by location from west to east, summer work will focus on 11 main projects. COURTESY OF BIG SKY PUBLIC RELATIONS
Single-lane traffic will be necessary on occasion, but crews will prioritize two-way flow. Gravel detours will be necessary in some zones, and width restrictions may be enforced.
Scharf emphasized that left turn lanes, to be constructed, are proven to reduce accidents by 28-48% and will improve traffic flow as cars don’t need to wait behind a turning vehicle.
“The traffic signal being added at the MT 64/Little Coyote intersection will also be a significant improvement in terms of both safety and operations at that intersection,” she wrote. “The additional shared-use paths, tunnel and pedestrian bridge will also greatly improve the safety and accessibility of the area for pedestrians and bicyclists.”
Main construction projects will follow this tentative timeline, presented during the meetings:
Rough project timeline
In mid-May, construction will begin on a pedestrian bridge over the West Fork Gallatin River on Little Coyote Road, near the Big Sky Community Park. By late May, construction will begin on a pedestrian tunnel under Highway 64 at the east end of Little Coyote Road, left-turn lanes at Big Pine Drive and Andesite Road, and a shared-use pedestrian path between Big Pine Drive and Andesite Road.
By mid-July, crews will begin installing a traffic signal system at the east end of Little Coyote Road. Later in July, stretching through September, the intersection at U.S. Highway 191 will be updated.
As work wraps up for the summer in late September, crews will pave most construction areas.
Community information
Officials are encouraging local drivers to sign up for weekly text updates by texting MT64PROJECT to 41411.
Questions and comments can be emailed to Kristine Fife, senior account executive for Big Sky Public Relations, the firm handling project information. The MDT’s project hotline can also be reached at 406-207-4484, during regular business hours.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get
more
Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
Sky, MT to paint anytime between Jun 1 – 28, and participate in the exhibition
and sale of paintings from June 29 – July 31.
Come join us! We have a great
place to paint and are welcoming and fun!
Don’t miss out!
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 1:00 am - July 31 (Wednesday) 11:55 pm
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary.Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm