Laurel, Montana – The Montana Department of Transportation is asking for public input on a proposed safety improvement project planned for a short stretch of U.S. Highway 212 south of Laurel. The project would resurface about half a mile of roadway, with work beginning just south of the intersection with Thiel Road and continuing northeast to the Yellowstone River bridge.
Transportation officials say the proposal is focused on improving safety in an area where crashes related to roadway departures and intersections have occurred. Before plans are finalized, MDT is encouraging residents, drivers, and nearby property owners to share comments and ideas.
Safety upgrades planned along US 212
According to MDT, the proposed project includes several upgrades designed to make the roadway safer for motorists. Planned work would involve applying high friction surfacing, which helps vehicles maintain better traction, especially during wet or icy conditions. Crews would also install new lighting, update road signage, and add fresh pavement markings to improve visibility and driver awareness.
The department said these changes are intended to reduce crash risks by making the roadway easier to navigate and by clearly guiding drivers through the corridor. Officials noted that no new right-of-way acquisitions or utility relocations would be needed for the project, which helps limit impacts on surrounding land and services.
Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2028, though the timeline depends on the completion of final design work and the availability of funding. MDT emphasized that schedules could change as planning moves forward.
Community involvement is a key part of the planning process, and MDT is actively seeking public feedback. Comments can be submitted online at mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx or mailed to the Montana Department of Transportation, Billings Office, P.O. Box 20437, Billings, MT 59104-0437. Those submitting written comments are asked to reference project UPN 10706000.
Residents with questions or who want to discuss the project further are encouraged to contact Kurtis Schnieber, Billings District Project Development Engineer, at 406-657-0269, or Sabastian Lucio, Project Design Engineer, at 406-345-8243.
MDT said public feedback will help shape the final design and ensure the project meets the needs of the community while improving safety along this section of US 212.
