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Standing-Room-Only Crowd Packs MDT Open House in Townsend
Author: Carol Hatfield

Carol Hatfield

A full, standing-room-only crowd filled the Flynn Building on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) hosted a public open house detailing three major improvement projects planned along the US 12/US 287 corridor. Residents from Townsend, Winston, the Silos area, and surrounding area turned out in force, eager to learn more about the construction timelines, safety upgrades, and long-term transportation impacts.

Four information stations were set up throughout the room, each staffed by MDT representatives who fielded questions, explained design details, and gathered public feedback. Attendees moved between stations, studying displays, asking about traffic flow, and discussing how the projects will affect safety and daily travel. Many brought forward specific concerns and recommendations related to safety, speed limits, turn lane needs, improvements to the multi-use trail, and the potential incorporation of wildlife underpasses, overpasses, and fencing along the corridor.

Why These Projects Are Needed:

MDT explained that this section of US 12/US 287 has been struggling to support rapidly increasing daily traffic volumes. Originally constructed in 1930 and reconstructed in 1960, the corridor was designed as a two-lane highway appropriate for the travel demands of that era. Since then, traffic has increased dramatically, leading to significant congestion, safety challenges, and a higher frequency of crashes. According to MDT, widening the highway and adding additional lanes will help alleviate congestion and enhance safety features, ensuring the corridor can meet modern transportation needs.

Project Status and Construction Timeline:

MDT noted that all three projects are currently in the design phase, and construction will not begin until design work is finalized and the necessary right-of-way has been acquired. Depending on funding availability, construction could begin as soon as 2030 for the Beaver Creek Left Turn Lanes and Silos–South projects. The Winston–Northwest project is projected to begin in 2031 or later, also contingent on funding.

Winston–Northwest Project:

MDT staff shared updates on the widening of approximately five miles of US 12/US 287 between Spokane Creek and Winston. The project aims to improve safety and traffic capacity on a stretch that has seen steady growth in commuter and commercial travel. Community members asked about construction sequencing, anticipated delays, and how the wider roadway will improve passing opportunities.

Beaver Creek Road Left Turn Lanes:

Another station focused on the installation of dedicated left-turn lanes at Beaver Creek Road and US 12/US 287 in Winston. MDT officials emphasized that this intersection has long been a safety concern due to turning movements across fast-moving highway traffic. The new turn lanes are designed to reduce rear-end collisions and improve overall traffic flow.

Silos–South Project:

The third major project presented was the widening of approximately five miles of US 12/US 287 between Silos Road and Cottonwood Campground northwest of Townsend. Residents discussed how the improvements will support recreation access, agricultural transport, and regional connectivity between Broadwater and Lewis & Clark counties.

Corridor-Wide Safety Enhancements:

Across all three projects, MDT highlighted a suite of safety upgrades that will be incorporated throughout the corridor, including: new pavement markings, updated signage, rumble strips to reduce lane departure crashes, chip seal treatments to extend pavement life.

MDT representatives emphasized that these improvements are part of three separate projects designed to reconstruct specific sections of the highway to address traffic congestion and vehicle crashes in the area.

Strong Community Engagement:

The turnout demonstrated the community’s deep interest in transportation planning and its impact on safety, local and regional travel. Residents expressed appreciation for MDT’s willingness to host an in person open house and provide direct access to project engineers and planners. MDT officials said public input gathered at the event will help refine project details as design and construction phases move forward.

Article Images

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PhotoCredit: KRTV
Image 1 Caption: US Highway 12 (only for the online view)
Image 2 Caption: Jim Beck Waiting Outside the Flynn Building Photo Credit: KRTV
Image 3 Caption: Map of Proposed Projects Image Provided