I90 Lookout Pass to Taft

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is improving nearly 6 miles of Interstate 90 (I-90) in the Lolo National Forest near the Montana-Idaho border. MDT separated the six-mile stretch into two projects, Taft – West and Lookout Pass – East. Both projects are in rugged, mountainous, and heavily forested terrain and parallel the St. Regis River. The proposed improvements will be constructed within the existing roadway width, and no right of way impacts are anticipated at this time.

Lookout Pass – East (Segment 1)

The Lookout Pass – East project begins at the Montana-Idaho border and extends about 2 miles east, ending at the beginning of the Taft – West project that was completed in 2025. Similar to the Taft – West project, this project will replace deteriorating pavement with new and more durable concrete as well as provide additional improvements:

  • Lookout Pass interchange safety enhancements.
  • Surface drainage upgrades and culvert replacements.
  • Concrete barrier replacement.
  • Roadway lighting and signage updates.

The Lookout Pass – East project is scheduled for construction in 2026 and 2027, depending on the availability of funding and design completion.

Taft – West (Segment 2)

This project was completed during the 2024 and 2025 construction seasons.

The Taft – West project began east of the Dena Mora rest area and extended approximately 2 miles, ending east of the Taft Interchange. The project replaced deteriorating pavement with new and more durable concrete, as well as provide additional improvements:

  • Surface drainage upgrades and culvert replacements.
  • Concrete barrier replacement.
  • Roadway lighting and signage updates.

In order to maintain one open lane of traffic in each direction on I-90, only one side (east or westbound) was reconstructed at a time.

MDT understands how important this section of I-90 is to the public. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to learn more about these transportation improvements.

I90 Lookout

Project Location Map

Project area map

These two projects, over four construction seasons, begin on the Montana-Idaho border and extend almost 6 miles easterly to the Taft Interchange. Local access is provided at two interchanges: Lookout Pass and Taft. The Dena Mora Rest Area is located near the east end of the project area.

Project Schedule

Construction of Segment 1 is scheduled to take place in 2026 and 2027, depending on the availability of funding and design completion.

Construction of Segment 2, beginning at the Taft interchange for approximately 2 miles west, was completed during the 2024 and 2025 construction seasons.

Stay Involved

Stakeholders and public feedback are encouraged throughout all project phases to ensure MDT identifies a solution that best meets the traffic and safety needs of the community and all those who travel the roadway.

Funding

Montana's roads and bridges are mainly funded through a combination of federal (88.5%) and state/local (11.5%) funding sources. MDT receives no funding from Montana's general fund revenue. Federal road and bridge revenues are generated by the users of our highways through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and apportioned to states through federal highway legislation.

MDT prioritizes the highest needs across the state making careful funding decisions each year.

UPN 9487000