North of Ekalaka – North logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is designing improvements to Montana Highway 7 (MT 7) north of Ekalaka in Carter and Fallon counties.

The project includes reconstruction of about 8.5 miles of MT 7, starting roughly 7 miles north of Ekalaka and extending to about 2 miles north of the intersection with Secondary Highway 322 (Webster Road). The roadway will be rebuilt to current design standards. Planned improvements include adding shoulders with rumble strips, upgrading drainage, improving signage and pavement markings, widening ditches for snow storage, and flattening slopes to enhance safety and reduce maintenance needs.

Additionally, MDT will address snowdrift issues on the recently reconstructed segment of MT 7, extending the project about 8 miles north of the main reconstruction area. On that segment, the roadway itself will not undergo further construction, but ditches will be widened in certain areas to improve snow storage and reduce closures during major winter storms.

The purpose of the project is to bring this section of MT 7 up to current roadway standards, enhance safety features, reduce roadway departure crashes, address long-standing snow drifting concerns, and reduce maintenance costs.

Project Map

North of Ekalaka North project map which shows where snow ditch work will be completed north of Webster Road to north of Willard Road, as well as where roadway reconstruction work will take place from north of Webster Road south on Montana Highway 7

Project Details

This is a rural reconstruction project on a narrow primary route with steep side slopes and a history of crashes.

To address identified needs within the project area, MDT’s design team is developing the following key improvements:

  • Reconstruct about 8.5 miles of MT 7 to current design standards
  • Widen the roadway to include two 12-foot travel lanes and two 2-foot shoulders
  • Flatten side slopes to 6:1 or flatter
  • Add shoulder rumble strips
  • Replace existing drainage structures and replace existing timber bridges with culverts M.
  • Improve roadway running grades and sight distance
  • Include wider snow ditches, especially on the west side, to help reduce drifting
  • On the northern segment, widen ditches to provide more snow storage and reduce road closures

Impacts to the Public

Design is ongoing. During this phase, nearby landowners and stakeholders may see survey activity and continued outreach as MDT refines the project. When construction begins, crews are expected to maintain traffic through the corridor. MDT plans to use traffic control and phased construction to keep traffic moving during work.

Timeline

2025 to 2027: Design, survey, environmental review, right-of-way, and public involvement

Fall 2027: Anticipated project letting and contractor selection

After 2027: Construction to be announced

Stay Informed, Get Involved

A public meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026, where residents can meet the project team, learn about the project, and provide comments on the design. Stay tuned for additional details.

MDT encourages community input to shape the project’s future phases. Provide a comment.

Throughout project development, MDT will provide updates to the public through these project webpages, local media, social media, and email and text notifications. See the sidebar to sign up for updates.

UPN 10279000