Thompson Falls, Montana – The Montana Department of Transportation is asking residents to share their input on a proposed highway improvement project that would resurface roughly 37 miles of roadways in Sanders County. Transportation officials say the work is intended to preserve existing pavement and improve travel conditions along several important routes that connect communities and support local travel.
According to MDT, the proposal focuses on three key highways in the region, including Montana Highway 200, Montana Highway 56, and Montana Highway 135. These routes serve as important travel corridors for residents, visitors, and businesses across Sanders County and surrounding areas.
The project would begin along Montana Highway 200 at the Montana and Idaho border. From there, the resurfacing work would extend east for about 10.5 miles until reaching the intersection with Montana Highway 56.
Along Montana Highway 56, the proposed improvements would start at its intersection with Highway 200 and continue north for approximately 16.5 miles. The work would end about one mile south of Bull Lake, an area frequently used by residents and travelers heading through the region.
The third section included in the project involves Montana Highway 135. Work would begin about one mile northwest of the Clark Fork River Bridge near the Ferry Landing Picnic Area. From that point, the resurfacing would extend east for about 10.5 miles until reaching the intersection with Highway 200.
Planned Roadway Improvements
MDT officials say the project will focus primarily on pavement preservation. Crews would replace the top layer of existing pavement in several areas that have experienced wear over time. These locations include sections of Montana Highway 56 between mile markers 5 and 7, as well as Montana Highway 200 between mile markers 3 and 4.
In addition to pavement replacement in those areas, the project would include several other roadway improvements designed to extend the life of the highways. Planned work includes full width crack sealing, chip sealing, and a fog seal treatment to protect the surface from further deterioration.
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Transportation officials also plan to upgrade pavement markings and add rumble strips along the roadways. Minor bridge work is also included in the proposal as part of routine infrastructure maintenance.
The overall goal of the project is to prolong and preserve the existing pavement life, ensuring that these important transportation routes remain safe and reliable for years to come.
Construction on the project is currently expected to begin in 2027, although officials say the timeline will depend on the completion of the design process and the availability of funding.
MDT also confirmed that the project will not require any new right of way or utility relocations, which helps limit potential disruptions to nearby property owners and infrastructure.
Public Input Encouraged
Transportation officials say community feedback is an important part of the planning process. MDT is encouraging residents, businesses, and travelers who regularly use these highways to share their thoughts and suggestions regarding the proposed improvements.
Members of the public can submit comments online through the department’s website or by mailing written feedback to the Montana Department of Transportation’s Missoula office at PO Box 7039 in Missoula.
Officials ask that all comments reference project UPN 10686000 so they can be properly included in the planning process.
Residents who have questions about the project are also encouraged to contact Missoula District Project Development Engineer Joel Boucher at 406-544-5802 or Project Design Engineer Joshua Dold at 406-444-6385.
By gathering input from the community early in the planning stages, transportation leaders say they hope to ensure the project meets the needs of the people who rely on these roads every day.
