Project Overview
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has evaluated the intersection of Batavia Lane and US Highway 2 (US 2) for safety and operational improvements. In March 2022, a roundabout was selected as the preferred remedy following a comparative analysis of multiple alternatives. Since that time, design work has been underway to develop the most effective means for implementing a roundabout at the intersection.
On February 4, 2025, the project team hosted an in-person open house at Smith Valley School to share the conceptual design with the community and provide an opportunity for residents to contribute thoughts on how the roundabout could best meet the safety, operational, and access needs of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The conceptual design below demonstrates how the roundabout could be configured to fit the confines of the intersection. This graphic is conceptual and is not the final intersection design.
Conversations with the Montana Logging Association, the Montana Motor Carriers Association and the Smith Valley Fire Department have provided valuable insights, enabling project engineers to design a roundabout that will accommodate oversized loads, large trucks, farm equipment, and emergency vehicles.
The project team will continue to work closely with adjacent property owners, businesses, and Smith Valley School to ensure appropriate access is maintained as the project approaches final design.
The design phase is anticipated to be completed in 2026. Construction efforts are expected to begin in late-2027 or early-2028.
Project Area
The project area includes the intersection of Batavia Lane and US 2, approximately four miles west of Kalispell. Smith Valley School is on the southwest corner of the intersection, and Kelly Rae’s Gas Station and Convenience Store are northwest. The Great Northern Historical Trail, Ashley Creek, and the Batavia Waterfowl Production Area are located just to the east of the intersection. An access road to the Waterfowl Production Area is also located across from Batavia Lane.
Near the Batavia/US 2 intersection also lies the Dern/Springcreek/US 2 intersection. Many of the same challenges plague both Batavia and Dern/Springcreek intersections. In the summer of 2021, MDT and LHC crews constructed a roundabout at the Dern/Springcreek intersection to provide safe access through the area. A video of recent traffic flows provides an illustration of how traffic is likely to flow through the proposed Batavia roundabout.
Click to view a larger map.
Project Background
What are the issues at this intersection?
In 2014, the Federal Highway Administration finalized a Road Safety Audit that identified the US 2/Batavia Lane intersection as a location in need of safety and operational improvements. Primary safety issues included multiple crashes at the intersection and near-miss accidents at the pedestrian crosswalk on US 2 providing access to the Smith Valley School. In addition, the audit found high-speed southbound right-turn movements onto Batavia Lane accessing Kelly Rae’s Gas Station and Convenience Store, obstructed sight distance due to parked vehicles, and confusing signage, all of which created safety concerns.
What options have been considered to date?
The audit identified a range of possible improvement options such as speed evaluations, educational campaigns, increased law enforcement, speed feedback signs and intersection modifications to reduce speeds, installation of flashing beacons, and roadway lighting.
In 2016, MDT conducted a traffic study determine if additional intersection control would address the findings from the safety audit. The study evaluated both traffic signal and roundabout options. The study found that while both options would reduce traffic delays on Batavia Lane, a roundabout would best address the safety issues outlined in the 2014 audit.
Where are we with improving the Batavia Lane/US 2 Intersection?
After careful consideration of safety and operational needs, and following extensive public outreach efforts, the project team has identified a single-lane roundabout as the most appropriate option for the intersection.
Engineering firm Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA) will develop a final design for the intersection utilizing engineering standards and information gathered through public outreach. The project team will continue to work with key stakeholders such as Smith Valley School, Kelly Rae’s, Smith Valley Fire Department, Montana Motor Carriers and the Montana Logging Association to ensure the design of the roundabout will meet the needs of all users.
When will construction start?
Funding for construction of this project has not yet been identified. It is anticipated that funding will be secured and construction can begin in the next five to seven years.
UPN 9371000