Plans to revamp Exposition Drive, which passes by MetraPark, connecting the intersection of US Highway 87 and 1st Avenue North, which extends to Main Street in the Heights, are being pursued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).

The community is invited to attend an open house to learn more about the Exposition Drive and 1st Avenue North Intersection project. The open house will be held at the Billings Public Library Community Room located at 510 North Broadway, on Tuesday, August 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m. and  4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

The open house is designed to be an informal event for community members to meet the project team, ask questions, and provide feedback. As such, no formal presentation will be made. Information regarding the project’s design and schedule will be available. Information from the open house is also available on the project website.

The project is in the stage of design development and right-of-way acquisition.

Construction is projected to begin in 2027, although that is subject to change depending on funding availability, design completion, right-of-way acquisition, and other unforeseen factors.

“MDT is excited to discuss the project and share design concepts that aim to address capacity and queuing issues, enhance safety and mobility, as well as improve pavement conditions, drainage, and the pedestrian and bicycle environment,” said Mike Taylor, MDT Billings District Administrator.

The Exposition Drive (Main Street) & 1st Avenue North project will enhance safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, vehicle capacity, freight, drainage, and pavement condition within the project area. These improvements are intended through the following project components:

Safety

* Installing raised medians on sections of 1st Avenue North.

* Improving lighting on Main Street and 1st Avenue North.

* Removing the unsignalized, eastbound slip-lane at the Main Street and 1st Avenue North intersection.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity

* New sidewalk and shared-use path connections on Main Street and 1st Avenue North, including a connection to the Jim Dutcher Trail.

* New or improved crossings at intersections throughout the project area.

Vehicle Capacity

* Converting the westbound right turn-lane at the Main Street and 1st Avenue North intersection to free-running movement.

* Adding a fourth northbound travel lane on Main Street from 1st Avenue North to 4th Avenue North.

* Improving storage lengths of turn lanes at the Main Street and 1st Avenue North intersection.

 Partnering with the community is an important part of properly planning for future projects. MDT welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Billings office, PO Box 20437, Billings, MT 59104-0437. Please note that comments are for project UPN 7908000.

 Questions from the public should be directed to Design Project Manager Shaun Sampson at 406-4449413.