January 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and engineering design consultant Sanderson Stewart continue to make progress on the design of the 1st Avenue North-Billings project.

As a result of meetings last fall, Sanderson Stewart and the City of Billings, with the support of MDT, have begun a study to evaluate the possibility of converting 1st Avenue North between Division Street and North 18th Street from one-way to two-way traffic. The goal of the study is to evaluate the impact of the conversion to two-way traffic on other major streets and intersections in the downtown area.

The study will also evaluate five-lane versus three-lane street configurations, specifically through the central business district near North 27th Street. Based on the study results, the City of Billings and MDT will determine the likelihood of reconfiguring 1st Avenue North to two-way traffic. If this reconfiguration occurs, the one-way eastbound couplet Montana Avenue will be converted to two-way traffic as well. The timing of reconfiguration will be determined based on the 1st Avenue North-Billings reconstruction project.

The study is anticipated to be completed this spring or early summer. Once complete, MDT will share the study’s findings and impacts on the 1st Avenue North-Billings project.