Ronan aerial view

Project Overview

Through the Ronan–North and Ronan-Urban projects, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will reconstruct approximately four miles of US Highway 93 (US 93) in Ronan. US 93 is a busy route used by residents, visitors, and commercial vehicles traveling from Interstate 90 (I-90) and Missoula to communities in Lake and Flathead Counties. In Ronan, traffic often becomes congested as the highway passes through the busy downtown area. The problem worsens in summer when tourists and recreationists head north to the lakes and Glacier National Park. Traffic is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.

Ronan - North

The Ronan-North project was the first to be constructed in 2024. It began at the intersection of US 93 with Round Butte Road in Ronan and extends north for approximately two miles, ending just past Spring Creek Road.

Improvements completed included:

  • Widening US 93 to four lanes, with two travel lanes in each direction.
  • Installation of a new traffic signal at the Old US 93 with 3rd Avenue intersection.
  • Construction of a short, 600-foot two-lane segment on 1st Avenue, starting at Round Butte Road, in preparation for the construction of the Ronan-Urban project, when 1st Avenue will become the US 93 southbound lanes through Ronan.
  • Permanent closure of Spring Creek Road at US 93.
  • Construction of a new shared-use path connecting Round Butte Road with the existing shared-use path along US 93.

Construction in 2025

In summer 2025, MDT and Riverside Contracting Inc. will work to improve the intersection of US Highway 93 (US 93) with 3rd Avenue and Old US 93.

This work is in response to public feedback regarding changes made to the intersection as part of last summer’s Ronan-North project. MDT thanks everyone who shared their concerns about navigating the intersection, especially for larger vehicles. We are listening and we do care.

Improvements include widening 3rd Avenue and Old US 93 at the intersection with US 93 to enhance right turn access. Work is expected to be completed this fall. This timeline is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Traffic control measures will be in place, and speed limits will be reduced. Single lane closures on US 93 may be required in the area. 3rd Avenue and Old US 93 will remain open at the intersection with flaggers present to direct traffic.

Project area map.
Project area map.

Ronan-Urban

Ronan – Urban is currently in the design phase, and a construction date has not yet been determined. The project begins at Brooke Lane in the rural area south of Ronan, where the highway will be widened to three or four lanes, including a center turn lane. Within the town limits of Ronan, US 93 will be converted into a one-way couplet. Northbound traffic will continue traveling on the existing US 93, while southbound traffic will be redirected to a reconstructed 1st Avenue SW. Traffic signals will be installed at Eisenhower Street, Buchanan Street, and Round Butte Road. Sidewalk connections will be maintained throughout town and connect to pathways to the south and north of the project.

Much more work needs to be done on this segment, which requires extensive right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation along US 93 and 1st Avenue SW in Ronan.

UPN 9460000