Benton Avenue Railroad Crossing logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Montana Materials & Construction will upgrade the railroad crossing, sidewalks, and shared-use path at Benton Avenue in Helena. This project begins at the City of Helena Transfer Station and proceeds north to the paved shared-use path by Batch Fields.

Improvements include:

  • Upgrading the existing railroad crossing signal system and adding pedestrian gates
  • Adding a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on the east side of Benton Avenue and upgrading sidewalks
  • Providing connectivity to Centennial Trail
This map shows the Benton Avenue Railroad Crossing project between Bill Roberts Golf Course and Carroll College in Helena, Montana. There are two project areas depicted by thick orange lines: Benton Avenue and Centennial Trail. The Benton Avenue project area extends from the City of Helena Transfer Station road to just north of Oakwood Lane. The Centennial Trail project area shows the intention to connect the east portion of the trail south of the railroad tracks to the existing multi-use path near Batch Fields. A new pedestrian crossing area is shown as an orange circle where the trail will intersect with the railroad tracks. The Carroll College campus is shown in the bottom portion of the map, south of both project areas. A compass points up for north, and the map is indicated to not be to scale.

This project is a cost-effective solution that will modernize the railroad crossing and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. It will also increase mobility for pedestrians and cyclists by improving sidewalks and connecting the shared-use path to Centennial Trail.

Project area photo
Project area photo

What to Expect during Construction

Motorists should expect reduced speed limits during active construction and delays up to 15 minutes when traffic is reduced to one lane and flaggers or temporary traffic signals are present. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic may be disrupted and need to detour.

Centennial Trail Users: MDT expects to keep Centennial Trail open during construction. There may be times when trail users will need to detour around the work zone. Trail users are encouraged to stay alert and follow posted signage.

Stay Informed

MDT will notify the public about traffic and construction impacts through the project website, local media, social media, and email and text notifications. See the side panel to sign up for construction updates.

Provide a comment.

Current construction information and road conditions can be found on MDT 511 App

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UPN 9803000