Montana Department of Transportation recently completed a comprehensive long-range plan for management and development across the Highway 93 corridor from Polson to Somers.  

The study evaluated existing conditions, projected growth, safety and environmental impacts to create recommendations for the corridor's needs through 2045. According to a press release, MDT’s goal is to enhance safety, functionality and compatibility with future developments in the area.  

Flathead and Lake counties have seen a 150% population increase from 1970 to 2020 according to the study. As a result, MDT recommended several short- to long-term construction projects which include anything from additional lanes and pedestrian signs to wildlife crossing accommodations.  

In Lake County at Jette Hill the report recommended flattening the grade and accessing passing zones which means checking the striped lane. In Big Arm it suggests three-lane configurations and advises accessing passing zones. Around Elmo the study recommend adding pedestrian crossing signs with lights.  

The latter improvements would enhance visibility for pedestrians crossing the roadway. The report also calls for "installing accessible accommodation and curb ramps, just to make sure that they are accessible for people with disabilities,” Sarah Nicolai, the consultant project manager.

At the intersection of Highway 28 and 93, MDT is monitoring for future traffic controls as development occurs. Nicolai explained that MDT suggests widening shoulders, rumble strips and additional passing lanes throughout the corridor. MDT also identified a rock-fall hazard just east of Big Arm.  

MDT estimated that Highway 93 traffic volume would grow annually by 2.1% per year and configured the traffic congestion of six intersections in the corridor until 2045. The study found that Rocky Point would go from a C rating – which is a rating given by MDT called Level of Service – to an F rating by 2045. 

While Nicolai said MDT received a number of public comments regarding Rocky Point, the intersection was out of the study area.  

“MDT is aware of that location. It just happened to fall outside of this particular study,” she said.  

Other short-terms improvements incorporate installing cultural signage along the corridor and implementing the Access Management Plan which was created with this study. The plan was developed to guide the management of access points along this corridor of Highway 93 and it states that a good management plan can reduce crashes by 50%.  

According to the study from 2018 to 2022 the corridor had 800 crashes, nine of which were fatal. From the Flathead County line to Somers, the study includes recommendations for passing lanes, rumble strips, rockfall mitigation and shoulder widening.  

MDT notes potential funding sources for these projects as a combination of federal grants, National Highway Performance Program and the Highway Safety Improvement Program.  

“At this time, there are no programmed construction projects with the sole purpose of implementing the modifications recommended by the plan,” Natalee Stout, Public Involvement Specialist for MDT stated in their press release.  

In the planning process of these draft reports MDT welcomes public comments which can be made at mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx or by contacting Jackson Lang at 406-447-3246 or [email protected]. MDT stated that comments must be submitted by Aug. 29.