BIG SKY, Mont. — The Montana Department of Transportation and the Big Sky Resort Area District applied for $25 million in federal grant funds to make roadway improvements.
The project, known as The Corridor to Big Sky: US 191/MT 64 Intersection Improvements project, is seeking funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Transportation Grants Program.
Preliminary project planning and analysis has already been completed.
The project has seen support from Gov. Greg Gianforte and Montana’s U.S. Congressional delegation.
Recipients of the grant funding are expected to be announced in June.
Big Sky Public Relations sent out the following:
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD), has applied for $25 million in federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grants Program. If awarded, the funds would be used for the final engineering and construction of The Corridor to Big Sky: US 191/MT 64 Intersection Improvements project.
“This project aligns with our commitment to enhancing Montana’s transportation network while prioritizing safety and efficiency,” said Geno Liva, MDT Butte District Administrator. “This project will significantly improve traffic operations and accommodate the growing needs of the Big Sky community.”
Preliminary project activities have been completed, including traffic studies, right-of-way planning, and alternatives analysis. BSRAD purchased two parcels to the northwest of the intersection in the summer of 2024. BSRAD is intending to donate right-of-way to this project for the proposed construction limits. This project will
“The safety and efficiency of this intersection are critical to residents, visitors, and businesses in Big Sky,” said Kevin Germain, BSRAD Board Chair. “Securing this federal funding would be a major step toward ensuring safer and more reliable transportation infrastructure for the entire region.”
There has been a significant show of support for this project from federal, state, and local officials, including Governor Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines, U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, as well as state legislators, mayors, and county commissioners. This is a competitive process and grant award notifications are anticipated in June 2025.
Additional Transportation Projects Underway
Beyond the BUILD grant application, MDT is advancing several other transportation projects to
improve infrastructure and enhance safety in Big Sky and the Gallatin Canyon:
Spanish Creek – Gallatin Canyon Project: The design phase to replace the existing Spanish Creek Bridge began in October 2024. The project team is working to ensure the new bridge design accommodates wildlife movement while avoiding cultural site impacts. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029 depending on funding and other factors.
Lava Lake – Structure, US 191 Turnouts, and Passing Lanes Projects: Design efforts for these projects are expected to begin in spring 2025. The Lava Lake – Structure project will undergo an alternative analysis to determine the most appropriate remedy for this area. Once an alternative has been selected, final design will begin. The US 191 Turnouts-Gallatin Canyon and Passing Lanes-Gallatin Canyon projects will also include an alternatives analysis to determine passing lane limits and turnout locations along with other necessary considerations before entering final design.
Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM): This system, initiated in midDecember 2024, collects traffic signal data on the Montana Highway 64 (MT 64) corridor in Big Sky. The data is used to adjust traffic signal timing, optimizing traffic flow through key intersections. Data collection will continue through the summer to assess peak seasonal traffic needs.
Each of these efforts represents MDT and BSRAD’s commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in the Big Sky area. As planning progresses, the community will receive more information about these efforts and opportunities to provide feedback.
For more information about the US 191/MT 64 Optimization Plan, please visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/us191mt64/.
