Russell project logo

May 2025

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), City of Missoula, and consultants continue to advance design work for the Russell Street project, which spans from Dakota Street to Mount Avenue and includes West Broadway Street between Mullan Road and Toole Avenue.

As many are aware, the City of Missoula secured $59 million in funding to complete the Russell Street Corridor Project. This grant will be instrumental in bringing the corridor's vision to life and will allow the project to be completed in the coming years.

Project Timeline:

  • Design and Right of Way: 2026 - 2029
  • Construction: tentatively 2029

MDT is now actively working on updating traffic and pedestrian data, and finalizing the design. Right-of-way outreach will begin closer to construction. If your business or property will be affected by construction in any capacity, MDT right-of-way agents will contact you one to two years prior to construction.

This critical work will help ensure that the project meets the needs of the community, providing a smooth and efficient transportation experience for everyone.

MDT appreciates your ongoing interest and support in the Russell Street project. If you have any questions or need additional information, call 406-207-4484 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email Becca at beccaXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom.

September 2024

The design work for the Russell Street project—stretching from Dakota to Mount Avenue and including West Broadway Street between Mullan Road and Toole Avenue—is moving ahead.

The project team has recently completed a charter between all partners to refine the project priorities. These priorities include focusing on safety and growth for all modes of travel on the Russell corridor. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is now diving into the next phase: updating traffic and pedestrian counts and projections to refine the alignment and grade design elements. This crucial analysis involves shaping the roadway to fit the evolving project needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient future for local streets.

In collaboration with the MDT, the city of Missoula is actively discussing the upcoming project priorities. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to make strides.

Have any questions or need more details? Feel free to reach out via email at beccaXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom. Our project hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484.

Want to stay in the loop with text updates? Simply text RUSSELL to 41411. Note that message and data rates may apply, and text frequency may vary. To opt out, text STOP. Please be aware that texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For further information, visit: https://smstc.us/t41411/ [smstc.us].

Thank you for your continued interest and support!

January 2024

Design activities on the Russell Street project from Dakota to Mount Avenue, as well as for West Broadway Street between Mullan Road and Toole Avenue, are continuing.

Internally, the project team has been working toward the completion of environmental assessment work and an updated traffic report. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the City of Missoula are partnering to define upcoming project priorities.

Updates will continue to be provided as the project progresses. If you have questions, please email Shae at shaeXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom. Our project hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484. Please visit the project webpage for more information.

Don’t Crowd the Plow!

While driving, be on the lookout for snowplows and give operators room to work. Many plows are hit by private vehicles each winter, with the potential to cause harm to all parties involved. The plow truck and operator are taken out of service immediately following an incident.

Drive safely this winter and keep these tips in mind:

  • Don’t pass a plow when the TowPlow is deployed. The operator will periodically rotate the TowPlow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass.
  • Be aware that, where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may obscure the presence of additional plows in adjacent lanes.
  • When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce speed immediately.
  • When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline.
  • Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass, but remember, the road in front of the plow is likely not as clear as the road behind it.

MDT has tools to help plan for conditions so you can reach your destination safely. See plow safety information and winter driving tips here. Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at 511mt.net.