Reserve-East Highway logo

October 2023

Preparation for the Reserve-East project continues, and construction is anticipated to begin next year.

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) staff have acquired the right-of-way needed for this project. Advertising for contractor bids will begin later this month. If successful, the contractor will begin work in early spring, weather and other factors permitting.

The utility companies are also preparing for upcoming construction and will be moving some of their facilities located within the project area.

If you have any questions or comments, email Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours.

June 2023

The Reserve-East project continues and is on track to be shovel-ready for the planned construction start date next year.

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) staff are currently contacting landowners to acquire the right-of-way needed for this project. The design team may make minor changes to project plans based on these discussions.

The project team is also contacting utility companies with facilities near the project area to ensure they are prepared for upcoming construction activity.

If you have any questions or comments, email Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours.

March 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and consultant design firm, Morrison-Maierle, continue to prepare the Reserve-East project to be shovel-ready for the tentative construction date of next year.

MDT staff are currently contacting landowners to discuss right-of-way needs for the project. Due to these discussions and the recent final plan review, the design team is making minor changes to the plans.

The project team is also contacting utility companies with facilities near the project site to share plans and ensure they are prepared for the upcoming construction activity.

The Reserve-East project will reconstruct Montana Secondary Highway 258 (S 258) starting just west of the Montana Highway 16 (MT 16) and S 258 intersection, extending eastward for 10.5 miles, and ending near the curve in the road by Dagmar.

If you have any questions or comments, email Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours.

November 2022

It is hard to believe we are in the final months of 2022! We are happy to report that the Reserve-East project is on track, and construction is still tentatively scheduled for 2024.

Recently, the project team completed the final plan review. As a result of this review, Morrison-Maierle engineers are making minor changes to the design.

The project is now entering the right-of-way phase. Montana Department of Transportation staff will meet with landowners to discuss parcel and highway right-of-way changes in the coming months.

If you have further questions or comments, do not hesitate to email Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours.

July 2022

The Reserve- East project is still on track! The project will reconstruct 10.5 miles of Highway 258, starting just west of the MT 16 / Highway 258 intersection and ending near the curve in the road by Dagmar.

Montana Department of Transportation staff anticipate meeting with landowners in the coming months to discuss possible parcel and highway right-of-way changes. And the engineering team is reviewing the design plans and making final revisions.

2024 is still the goal for construction to begin. The team is working hard and looking forward to breaking ground on this vital community project.

If you have further questions or comments or were unable to attend one of the open houses and have questions, contact Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

April 2022

The Reserve - East project that will reconstruct Highway 258 starting just west of the MT 16 / Highway 258 intersection, extending eastward for 10.5 miles ending near the curve in the road by Dagmar, continues to move forward.

The project has progressed into the final design and right-of-way phases of the pre-construction process. During the final design phase, the project plans are reviewed, and final revisions are made. MDT staff will also begin meeting with landowners to discuss possible parcel and highway right-of-way changes.

In other news, April 11 - 15 is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week! This important annual event reminds us to slow down and use extra caution while traveling through highway construction work zones. For your safety and the safety of our hardworking construction crews, remember the three Ss of work zone safety: speed, space, and stress.

  • Speed: Slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits.
  • Space: Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
  • Stress: Keep your cool, pay attention, and plan for delays.

If you have further questions or comments or were unable to attend one of the open houses and have questions, contact Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

February 2022

The project team recently visited the beautiful town of Plentywood for the Reserve - East Open House. Thank you to those who attended either in-person or online. We hope you found the experience as informative and helpful as we did. Your feedback and questions are pivotal to ensuring a successful project.

A recording of the Virtual Open House is now available and can be accessed on YouTube. Please feel free to share the video with family, friends, and neighbors. The video is also available on the project’s public involvement webpage, along with display boards presented at the in-person open house.

If you have further questions or comments or were unable to attend one of the open houses and have questions, contact Sloane at sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

This year we will be updating you quarterly on the Reserve - East project’s progress. Keep an eye out for the next update in April.