Traffic patterns on I-90 at Lookout Pass will remain changed during the construction project. All traffic will be moved to the westbound lanes. Eastbound ramp traffic at Lookout Pass will be utilizing the eastbound off ramp. Watch the signs and be mindful of the direction of travel on the ramp. For the most up-to-date information regarding road conditions, visit 511mt.net. The image is an overhead map view of the on and off ramps on I-90 at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area at the Montana/Idaho Border. It includes Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area. There is a white dashed line that depicts where the Montana/Idaho border lies. The map shows royal blue arrows that reflect the direction of travel for vehicles traveling westbound. The map shows dark blue arrows that reflect the direction of travel for vehicles traveling eastbound. For the on-ramp at Lookout Pass, for those continuing eastbound, the dark blue arrow is highlighted in yellow. There are red lines reflecting closures of the eastbound on-ramp and the construction section at the base where travelers will be entering the flow of traffic from Lookout Pass. In the top right corner is an arrow reflecting a compass directing north. In the bottom right corner is the MDT logo that is a blue star with a white road running through it, with the words Montana Department of Transportation. The key to the map is in the lower left-hand corner, noting the arrow colors and what they represent. There is a legend with both feet and meters reflected below the map key.
Traffic patterns on I-90 at Lookout Pass will remain changed during the construction project. All traffic will be moved to the westbound lanes. Eastbound ramp traffic at Lookout Pass will be utilizing the eastbound off ramp. Watch the signs and be mindful of the direction of travel on the ramp. For the most up-to-date information regarding road conditions, visit 511mt.net.
The image is an overhead map view of the on and off ramps on I-90 at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area at the Montana/Idaho Border. It includes Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area. There is a white dashed line that depicts where the Montana/Idaho border lies. The map shows royal blue arrows that reflect the direction of travel for vehicles traveling westbound. The map shows dark blue arrows that reflect the direction of travel for vehicles traveling eastbound. For the on-ramp at Lookout Pass, for those continuing eastbound, the dark blue arrow is highlighted in yellow. There are red lines reflecting closures of the eastbound on-ramp and the construction section at the base where travelers will be entering the flow of traffic from Lookout Pass. In the top right corner is an arrow reflecting a compass directing north. In the bottom right corner is the MDT logo that is a blue star with a white road running through it, with the words Montana Department of Transportation. The key to the map is in the lower left-hand corner, noting the arrow colors and what they represent. There is a legend with both feet and meters reflected below the map key.

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