The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is updating the 2022 State Freight Plan (Plan).
The Plan, first completed in 2017, provides guidance for both short- and long-term freight related transportation investments with a focus on improving the condition and performance of the national freight network.
Safe and efficient movement of freight is vital to the health of Montana’s economy. The Montana Freight Plan update will:
- Communicate how freight contributes to Montana’s economy
- Identify significant freight infrastructure and system issues in Montana
- Recommend strategies for improvement,
- Guide freight‐related transportation investment decisions, and
- Recommend effective freight investment projects.
The Plan’s update will be developed in accordance with 49 USC 70202 and in coordination with MDT’s long range multi-modal plan, TranPlanMT.
While MDT encourages comments at any time as freight related issues arise, the Plan’s update presents an opportunity for targeted stakeholder outreach on this topic to better understand needs and concerns from the perspective of freight.
Schedule
The Freight Plan update officially begins July 2025, and a draft plan is anticipated to be available early fall 2026. The draft plan will be posted online, and a 30-day public comment period will follow. The plan is anticipated to be finalized by January 2027.
Documents
Documents will be added to this page as they are developed, Check back for updates.
Freight Stakeholder Engagement Presentation (September 24, 2025)
Contact
Heather Kuklo
Rail, Transit and Planning
Montana Department of Transportation