Missoula, MT — The Bitterroot Trail is set to undergo a major upgrade in 2025 with the installation of new lighting designed to enhance safety and encourage more use of the trail, especially after dark.
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) is funding the $1.6 million project, which aims to install continuous lighting along the trail by fall 2025. The initiative is driven by a need to address safety concerns and to boost trail usage, particularly during the winter months when daylight hours are limited.
Annette Marchesseault, MRA Project Manager and Redevelopment Specialist, explained that the lighting project is intended to improve the overall safety and comfort for trail users. “We know that it’s used by commuters a lot as well as recreationally,” Marchesseault said. She emphasized that the lighting would not only provide a safer environment but also encourage more people to use the trail at various hours of the day.
The Bitterroot Trail, which serves as both a popular commuting route and a recreational path, has long faced concerns from local residents about safety, particularly in areas close to a nearby homeless shelter. With the new lighting, the MRA aims to make the trail more inviting and secure for those walking, running, or walking their dogs along the path.
“We absolutely expect the new lighting to increase the hours during which the trail is used, as well as improving the overall comfort and safety of the users,” Marchesseault added.
In response to concerns about light pollution, the lighting system will be designed to minimize any negative impact on nearby homes and businesses. The system will focus on providing effective illumination for the trail while avoiding disruption to residents by directing the light away from windows.
The lighting project is expected to significantly improve the user experience on the Bitterroot Trail, making it a safer and more appealing option for commuters and recreational users alike. By addressing safety and lighting issues, the MRA hopes to boost trail use and make the area more desirable for both locals and visitors.
Scheduled for completion by fall 2025, the new lighting is part of ongoing efforts to enhance Missoula’s infrastructure and make its outdoor spaces more accessible year-round.
