Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will widen and reconstruct Interstate 90 (I 90) in Billings between the North 27th Street and Lockwood interchanges from two lanes to three. The project also includes reconstruction of the bridges over the Yellowstone River and the Talen Energy railroad spur line. Improvements are designed to enhance roadway safety, traffic operations, and future capacity needs. Other project features include two irrigation crossings, lighting, signage, and on/off ramp upgrades.

Project Construction

Construction began in the fall of 2021. In 2022, the westbound bridge over the Yellowstone River, Talen Energy railroad structure, and reconstruction of the roadway from two lanes to three were completed. In 2023, the eastbound bridge over the Yellowstone River, Talen Energy railroad structure, and roadway will be reconstructed from two lanes to three. Winter shutdown periods are included in the three-year schedule. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2024.

During Construction

Work hours will primarily occur between 6 am and 10 pm. Night work and use of construction lights will be limited and advertised in advance. Beginning in March, construction is generally 7 days per week.

Traffic will be shifted down to one lane in each direction to accommodate construction. In 2023, two-way traffic will be maintained on the newly constructed westbound lanes throughout the work zone. During winter shutdown periods, the interstate will be reopened to four lanes total.

Speed limits between 15 and 55 mph will be posted in construction zones. Please pay attention to changing speed limits for the safety of our workers and your fellow travelers!

Temporary ramp closures will be used to safeguard workers and the traveling public. These will be limited and advertised in advance.

I-90 Yellowstone River Bridge

Construction Impacts

During construction, impacts to the travelling public include switching to two-lane, two-way traffic throughout the work zone and speed limit reductions. During winter shut down periods, the interstate will reopen to four lanes total.

REMINDER: the east end of Coulson Park at the Yellowstone River, including fishing access, is closed due to construction. Charlene Street access will be limited to construction-related traffic at the west parking area. The Jim Dutcher Trail at the Yellowstone River Bridges is also closed due to work below and next to the existing bridges. These facilities are closed to protect the public during construction of the I 90 Yellowstone River Project in Billings. The trail and park will be re-opened May 2024 after the project is complete. Please help us keep you and our workers safe by staying away from construction areas.

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 from the users of our highways, through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and apportioned to states through federal highway legislation.

Project Location Map

Click the image for a larger view.

Comments

The Department welcomes your comments on the I90 Yellowstone River Project Billings.

Online:
Fill out the Comment Form.

Interactive Map

The interactive map depicts the project extents and provides project website links for the four separate I 90 projects, including I 90: East Laurel-West Billings; I 90 Yellowstone River, Billings; Lockwood Interchange; and Johnson Lane Interchange projects. Click on an item in the list and it will zoom to project extents. The Project Website button will redirect to each project's main website. The pop-up map will appear when you click directly on project extents

UPN 7972000