Environmental
Study to Continue into 2027
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), alongside engineering consultant Jacobs, are conducting a feasibility study to evaluate potential wildlife crossing improvements along US Highway 89 between mile markers 16.5 and 22.0 near Dome Mountain. In coordination with Yellowstone Safe Passages, the study will evaluate whether wildlife crossing improvements could help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, enhance motorist safety, and maintain wildlife movement through the area.
As part of the study, the project team is evaluating preliminary concepts, including two potential wildlife overpasses near mile markers 17.6 to 18.5 and 19.3 to 19.5, wildlife fencing throughout the corridor, and potential modifications near the Point of Rocks Bridge at mile marker 20.4 to provide safer wildlife passage beneath the highway.
“This study is an important first step in understanding what wildlife crossing improvements may be feasible along this section of US 89,” said Kelly Williams, MDT Consultant Design Engineer. “At this stage, we are evaluating options, not advancing a construction project. The study will provide information that can help inform future decisions about whether a project should move forward.”
The study is expected to be completed in 2027. If the study identifies a feasible project and MDT and its partners decide to pursue it, additional environmental review, design, funding, and other approvals would be required before construction could occur.
Members of the US 89 Wildlife Crossing Feasibility Study project team will be at the Yellowstone Safe Passages Shindig on Thursday, September 24. For more information about the event, visit yellowstonesafepassages.org/shindig.
Community members are encouraged to reach out with questions and comments throughout the study. For questions or to provide comments, contact Sloane at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Additional public engagement will occur throughout the study and may include website updates, stakeholder coordination, and a public open house in early 2027.
For more information on the US 89 Wildlife Crossing Feasibility Study, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/us89wildlife.
MDT is a workforce of over 2,000 people across Montana, determined to do all we can so that you arrive at your destination safely. Our mission is to build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.
To request an alternative accessible format of this document, please contact MDT’s ADA coordinator at 406-444-5416, Montana Relay Service at 711, or by email at mdtaccessibilityrequest@mt.gov.