The Montana Department of Transportation and consultants are beginning the Stevensville Safety Improvements project on the Eastside Highway (Highway 269). Before that, the MDT is looking to ensure residents and travelers are fully updated on all aspects of the project and will be working from Morningstar Caffeine & Cuisine from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 21, and Dec. 5.  The public is invited to stop by, meet the team, ask questions and share your thoughts on the project.

Here's the press release & some facts about dangerous sections of Eastside Highway.

Designed to save lives and prevent serious crashes, the Montana Department of Transportation is busy designing the Stevensville Safety Improvements project on Highway 269, one of Montana’s most dangerous sections of highway. Between 2003 and 2017, there were more than 400 collisions along this route, including six fatalities and 20 serious injuries. This trend must stop which is why MDT and contractors will be providing safety improvements to the roadway beginning in the spring of 2021.

“We’re eager to meet with neighbors to work together on this much-needed safety improvement project,” Missoula District Administrator, Bob Vosen, said. “Projects like these are designed to provide a safer roadway that meets the Stevensville community’s unique needs. The only way we can fully accomplish this goal is by hearing from those who use this roadway every day.”

The Stevensville Safety Improvements project will begin just north of the intersection with North Birch Creek Road and extend 5.9 miles north to the Pine Hollow Road intersection. A project map can be found online.

The proposed work plan currently includes widening the existing roadway by adding four-foot shoulders on both sides of the highway and flattening the roadside slopes. Additionally, a new flashing signal will be placed at Bell Crossing, and Willoughby Lane will be realigned to better facilitate safe travel at the intersection. Utility relations, limited installations of guardrail, and bridge replacements will occur throughout the project. Upon completion, the roadway will also be sealed and have new pavement markings and signs.

Throughout the course of this project, Big Sky Public Relations will be sending updates and is available to answer questions from the public. Those interested in staying up-to-date by receiving regular communication are encouraged to send a request to Katie Klietz at katie@bigskypublicrelations.com; call the project hotline at (406) 207-4484; or visit the project website.

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