Richey-Northeast

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is designing improvements to Montana Highway 200 (MT 200) northeast of Richey in Richland and Dawson counties. The project includes about 10 miles of roadway, beginning at the intersection with Secondary Highway 254 (S 254) and extending east to about a quarter mile west of County Road 317.

This is a major rehabilitation project that will improve the existing roadway surface and enhance safety features. Planned work includes rebuilding some sections to improve roadway geometry, applying a new pavement surface, adding 2-foot shoulders, flattening slopes, replacing drainage structures, and upgrading guardrail, signage, and pavement markings.

Richey-Northeast map

Project Details

This project focuses on improving an existing rural highway that serves agricultural traffic, oilfield activity, and other travelers in eastern Montana.

Key improvements include:

  • Rehabilitating about 10.6 miles of MT 200
  • Reconstructing select sections of roadway
  • Adding 2-foot shoulders
  • Installing rumble strips
  • Replacing aging drainage structures, including culverts
  • Flattening slopes and improving sight distance in key locations
  • Applying new pavement surface treatments, including seal and cover (chip seal)
  • Upgrading guardrail, signage, and pavement markings

Impacts to the Public

Design is ongoing. During this phase, MDT will continue to gather input and work with nearby landowners as the project develops.

During construction, the corridor will remain open, but travelers should expect:

  • Single-lane traffic in work zones
  • Pilot cars or temporary traffic signals
  • Possible detours during culvert work

Timeline

2025 to 2027: Design, environmental review, right-of-way, and public involvement
Spring 2027: Anticipated project letting and contractor selection
After 2027: Construction to be announced

Stay Informed, Get Involved

A public meeting is scheduled for May 19, 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. To provide a comment, use our online comment form.

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 9179000