‘Big Sky North’ project scheduled for 2026
EBS STAFF
The Montana Department of Transportation introduced its Big Sky North plan to improve U.S. Highway 191 in a May 14 meeting in Big Sky, and officials are now encouraging the public to voice their comments, concerns and ideas.
Proposed work on the busy two-lane highway between Big Sky and Bozeman includes guardrail embankment repair, subgrade dig outs, milling the existing surface, applying a new overlay and finishing with a chip seal, upgraded pavement markings, signage and guardrail. The project intends “to repair the existing surface, enhance roadway safety features, and prolong the service life of the roadway,” according to a May 30 MDT press release.
Assuming funds are available, the project is tentatively scheduled for summer 2026.
The project site would cover roughly 14 miles between Big Sky and the Lava Lake area. In a separate long-term project, MDT has shared updated plans for a bridge replacement and pedestrian improvements at the Lava Lake recreation area.
The release encourages citizens to provide ideas and comments on the proposed work, either through MDT’s online portal or in writing to the following address: Montana Department of Transportation, Butte office, PO Box 3068, Butte, MT 59702.
MDT asks the public to reference the project ID as “UPN 10558000.”
If the public wishes to speak directly with a project representative, MDT encourages citizens to contact Brandon Jones, MDT Butte District preconstruction engineer, at 406-494-9622.
“Partnering with the community is an important part of properly planning for future projects,” the release stated.
Jones outlined plans to construct four passing lanes in his May 14 presentation, and clarified in a May 30 email to EBS that those passing lanes are not part of the Big Sky North project—instead, they’re included in three separate projects, and two of those projects currently await funding with no definitive timeline.
The third project, Spanish Creek bridge replacement, is scheduled for 2029 and plans include passing lane construction.
