MISSOULA, MT – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is ramping up construction efforts this spring to improve road safety throughout Western Montana. The initiative, known as the Missoula South Signs project, extends beyond Missoula, covering several counties across the region.
The project, which spans Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral, Granite, Lake, and Flathead Counties, as well as the Flathead Reservation, is part of a larger strategy to enhance roadway safety. MDT engineers analyzed crash data to identify areas most in need of improvements, selecting key locations across these counties to update road signs, install flashers, and refresh pavement markings.
Crews began work in Missoula’s Miller Creek neighborhood on Wednesday, focusing on replacing outdated signs and adding new pavement markings along Upper and Lower Miller Creek. Che Hassan, an engineering project manager with MDT, explained that these upgrades are part of the broader effort to improve road conditions in the area.
“We’re improving signing at various locations, including Upper and Lower Miller Creek,” said Hassan. “This includes replacing a lot of the signs and adding pavement markings to enhance visibility and safety for drivers.”
But the project doesn’t stop there. Crews are also working in other regions of the project area, such as around Superior and Saint Regis. Hassan highlighted that these areas would see updates including new curve signs, as well as the installation of deer crossing signs to alert drivers to wildlife hazards.
“Right outside of Superior, we’re upgrading delineation and adding curve signs to better guide motorists,” Hassan added. “We’re also installing deer crossing signs in Saint Regis on the MT-35 cutoff road to address wildlife-related concerns.”
The project, which is expected to be completed by July, is underway in earnest, with crews working from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. MDT urges drivers to be mindful of the construction zones and expect delays. Traffic control measures will be in place, and motorists can anticipate 10 to 15 minute delays, as well as reduced speeds and single-lane traffic in some areas.
“The Montana Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring that infrastructure improvements provide safe travel for both residents and visitors,” Hassan concluded. “This project is designed to reduce risk and make the roads safer for everyone who travels through these areas.”
As work progresses, MDT remains focused on the goal of improving road safety and reducing accidents across Western Montana, with the project set to make a lasting impact on the region’s infrastructure.
