Russell Street project logo

Future Design Activity

Design for Dakota Street to Main Street was developed to approximately 30%. After Construction of the segment from Broadway to Dakota funding with be evaluated to determine future design segments.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the City of Missoula plan to implement roadway, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit improvements to approximately 1.5 miles of Russell Street in Missoula - from Mount Avenue to West Broadway. Improvements to this corridor are necessary to meet current and future transportation demands and facilitate mobility to all modes of travel.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process began along this corridor in 2001 and was completed with a Record of Decision in 2011. The Final EIS document analyzed five alternatives for Russell Street. The alternatives varied in the number of travel lanes and type of intersection control, but all included replacement of the bridge over the Clark Fork River, grade-separated pedestrian/bicycle crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes, boulevards, curb/gutter, lighting and bus pullouts. Alternative 4 was selected as the preferred alternative - and consists of two southbound and two northbound travel lanes with raised medians, center turn lanes, and the use of signal control at key intersections.

The contract for design of this project was awarded to WGM Group, Inc. and HDR with other sub-consultants in 2012. Design has been completed for the Broadway to Idaho and Idaho to Dakota Street segments. From Mount Avenue to Dakota Street, property boundary and utility information will be gathered and a comprehensive map will be developed to guide future decisions. Dividing the project into smaller components allows MDT to expedite project delivery and utilize funding as it becomes available.

The Technical Design Committee will provide direction regarding design and facilitate production of technical plans and specifications for construction of the project. The committee is made up of representatives from MDT, the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration, and the City of Missoula.

Schedule

Preliminary Design

  • Final Construction Plans are complete for the Russell Street segment from Dakota St to West Broadway.
  • Surveying and soil sampling for the project are complete.
  • Preliminary Design (30%) are complete for Mount to Dakota.

Construction

  • Construction dates for Mount to Dakota Street will be determined in the future.