Hardin Rest Area logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Dick Anderson Construction, WGM Group, and CWG Architecture, will begin the restoration of the Hardin Rest Area on Interstate 90 (I-90) at mile marker 476 between Hardin and Billings in spring 2024. Both the I-90 eastbound and westbound rest area sites are being redesigned to meet modern design specifications. The redesign will include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades and will increase capacity to accommodate the growing number of interstate travelers in the region.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Watercraft Inspection Site currently located at the westbound rest area site will be updated, and an MDT Motor Carrier Services (MCS) Weigh Station will be added to the westbound site.

Construction

Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2024, starting with the westbound rest area site, followed by the eastbound site.

During construction, minimal-to-no traffic disruption on I-90 is anticipated. Drivers should watch for trucks entering and exiting the project areas.

The eastbound and westbound Hardin Rest Area sites will be closed to the public during construction, but access to the FWP Watercraft Inspection Site at the westbound location will be maintained through boating season.

The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2025. The construction schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather and project material availability.

Monthly updates will be available during construction. To subscribe for email updates, or if you have questions, contact Sloane Stinson or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Improvements

  • Energy-efficient, ADA-compliant buildings featuring seating, restrooms, and ADA-compliant family restrooms.
  • Increased number of parking stalls at both rest area sites:
    • Westbound Site: 30 truck stalls, 22 standard vehicle stalls, including two ADA-compliant stalls.
    • Eastbound site: 28 truck stalls, 21 standard vehicle stalls, including two ADA-compliant stalls.
  • A fenced pet area.
  • Picnic areas with picnic shelters and ADA-compliant access.
  • Additional lighting throughout the sites, including the highway entry and exit ramps.
  • New water supply and wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping.
  • Improved site stormwater drainage.
  • Safety improvement, including video surveillance.
  • An updated FWP Watercraft Inspection Site at the westbound site.
  • An MCS Weigh Station will be added to the westbound site.

Hardin Rest Area day

Hardin Rest Area night

Hardin Rest Area Eastbound Site Plan

Hardin Rest Area Westbound Site Plan

UPN 6874000