Choteau US 89 project logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is currently redesigning three segments of US Highway 89 (US 89) near Choteau.

All three segments will have similar improvements. The updated design will improve the overall alignment. All segments will be repaved. The curves will be gentler and roadside slopes will be less steep. The shoulders will become slightly larger. There will be more passing opportunities. The Teton River bridge will also be replaced.

Specific roadway improvements include:

  1. Updated design.
    Improve the alignment and pavement.
  2. New bridge.
    Upgrade the bridge over the Teton River.
  3. Passing opportunities.
    Provide more options for passing slow vehicles.
  4. Wider shoulders.
    Create more space along the highway which also means a larger buffer for bicyclists.
  5. Gentler curves.
    Reduce the sharpness of the existing curves.
  6. Wildlife pullouts.
    Places to stop and view the wildlife in the Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area.
  7. Resetting two historical markers:
    a. Old Agency on the Teton.
    b. Blackfeet and Buffalo.
  8. Updating signage and pavement markings.
  9. Rumble strips.
    Place rumble strips on the shoulders next to the lane edge and between lanes.
  10. Improving drainage.

Choteau US 89 map depicting the construction segments. Map depicting the construction segments.

Purpose & Benefits

The US 89 corridor has been scheduled for reconstruction to better accommodate the array of uses (recreation and passenger vehicles, trucks, and bicycles). The following key factors will be addressed:

  • Outdated design standards.
  • Limited passing opportunities.
  • Narrow shoulders.
  • Sharp roadway curves.
  • Poor traffic flow.
  • Moderate-to-high potential for crashes.

Teton River Bridge

The Teton River Bridge is available for adoption and relocation to interested public and/or private entities. MDT plans to construct a new bridge that spans the Teton River just south of Choteau, replacing the Teton River Bridge, as part of the Choteau US 89 Road Improvements project.

The Teton River Bridge is a one-span riveted steel Warren pony truss structure, originally built in 1939. It was partially reconstructed in 1965.

Any parties interested in adopting the Teton River Bridge will be required to obtain the necessary federal, state, and local permits and easements, provide MDT with a plan outlining the intended use of the structure, and share how the bridge will be relocated. Interested entities must submit applications to adopt the bridge on or before February 18, 2025.

For more information about the Teton River Bridge or the bridge adoption process, please contact MDT Historian Jon Axline at 406-444-6258 or visit mdt.mt.gov/business/bridge-adoption-tetonriver-bridge.aspx.

The Teton River Bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Additional information about this process can be found at mdt.mt.gov/business/bridge-adoption-details.aspx.

The current Teton River Bridge just south of Choteau. The current Teton River Bridge just south of Choteau.

Project Status and Anticipated Timeline

2020-2021: Design and information gathering.
2022-2026: On-going design, permitting, and property acquisition.
2024-2027: Expected construction. Advertising for the construction contract. Construction per project as funding allows.

How You Can Participate

The Montana Department of Transportation recognizes the impact road projects can have. We are committed to keeping the public informed during the process.

Subscribe to get construction updates and traffic information.

Text: "Choteau" to 844-764-2126*
Email: Choteau@kljeng.com
Online: Fill out the Comment Form.
Indicate Comments are for project UPN 8965000

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The Montana Department of Transportation will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the open house or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the Montana Department of Transportation no later than Monday, September 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Matt Maze, Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620; telephone 406-444-5416; Montana Relay 711; facsimile 406-444-7243; or e-mail to mmazeXYZmtABCgov.

UPN 8965000