Project Overview
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is developing plans to make several improvements on U.S. Highway 12 (US 12) and U.S. Highway 287 (US 287) between Spokane Creek and Townsend. These improvements are part of three separate projects that will reconstruct specific sections of the highway to address traffic congestion and vehicle crashes in the area.
Planned projects and improvements include:
- Winston – Northwest project: Widening approximately 5 miles of US 12/US 287 between Spokane Creek and Winston.
- Beaver Creek Road Left-Turn Lanes project: Installing left-turn lanes at the intersection of Beaver Creek Road and US 12/US 287 in Winston.
- Silos-South project: Widening approximately 5 miles of US 12/US 287 between Silos Road and Cottonwood Campground northwest of Townsend.
- All projects: Adding new pavement markings, signage, rumble strips, and a seal and cover (chip seal).
Map shows an approximation of US Highway 12/US Highway 287 from the Spokane Creek area (just east of East Helena) to the Townsend area, with Canyon Ferry Lake nearby. The map highlights three different projects, these projects are as follows:
- A reconstruction project from Spokane Creek to Winston, begins in Spokane Creek and proceeds southeast ending near Main Street and Beaver Creek Road in Winston.
- An Intersection project in Winston. This project is at the intersection of US 12/US 287 and Beaver Creek Road in Winston.
- Another reconstruction project from The Silos area to just northeast of Townsend. This project area begins near Silos Road/Antelope Road and extends southeast, ending just northwest of the Missouri River crossing outside of Townsend.
The map legend differentiates these projects by having the reconstruction projects highlight sections of the roadway, and the intersection project indicated by a circle on the roadway. Other notable major roads like Whitehorse Road, Filson Road, and Quarter Circle Road are also illustrated on this map. Townsend is in the lower right corner of the map and an arrow pointing toward Helena is in the upper left corner of the map.
These sections of the highway are heavily traveled and experiencing increased traffic. Narrow lanes and shoulder widths on the highway increase congestion and limit safe passing opportunities. Widening the highway and adding additional lanes will help alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety features. Adding left-turn lanes in Winston will address left-turn and rear-end crashes at the intersection.
Why are these projects needed?
MDT identified this section of highway as struggling to support increasing daily traffic numbers. This highway was originally constructed in 1930 and reconstructed in 1960 and was designed as a two-lane highway at the time. Since that time, traffic on this section of highway has increased dramatically leading to significant traffic congestion. Widening the highway and adding additional lanes will help alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety features.
The Beaver Creek Road intersection in Winston experienced a total of 9 crashes in a 12-year period from 2009 to 2020. Six of these crashes were considered addressable with the installation of left-turn lanes. Adding left-turn lanes in Winston will enhance safety features and address left-turn and rear-end crashes at the intersection.
Process and Schedule
At this time, MDT is in the design phase of the projects. Construction on these three projects will not occur until after the design is finalized and necessary right-of-way has been acquired. Construction could begin as soon as 2030 for Beaver Creek Left-Turn Lanes and Silos-South projects, depending on the availability of funding. Construction on the Winston - Northwest project is projected to begin in 2031 or beyond, depending on availability of funds.
| Anticipated Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Design | 2025 - 2027 |
| Final Design | 2027 - 2029 |
| Right-of-Way Acquisition | 2027 - 2029 |
| Projects Ready for Construction | 2030 or later |
Stay Informed
MDT will notify the public about potential opportunities to provide feedback or input on the projects’ designs through the project website, local media, social media, and direct mail.
MDT encourages the public to join the project's mailing list by submitting contact information to Brandon Coates at
UPN 9773000, 10292000, 10562000