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

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  • Outdated design standards.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

  • Historical Significance of the Bridge: The Teton River Bridge is a historic structure that qualifies for the National Register of Historic Places. The goal of adoption is to keep its historic value while making it available for future use.
  • Adopting the Teton River Bridge: The Teton River Bridge is available for adoption through a historic bridge reuse program. This program lets the bridge be preserved and moved to be used in a different location.
  • Funding for Adopting the Bridge: The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will fund the estimated cost to take down the bridge’s truss and piers, using money from the construction phase of the project. However, this funding does not cover other expenses, like building a new foundation or transporting the bridge to a new site.
  • Who Can Adopt: Government groups, such as cities or counties, can adopt the bridge for reuse. Interested adopters would need to sign an agreement with MDT. This agreement would explain the process for removing and transporting the bridge.
  • What’s Next: Anyone interested in adopting the bridge can contact MDT to learn more about the process and funding options. MDT is already working with possible adopters to make plans for preserving the bridge.

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