Montana Department of Transportation Opens Rouse Avenue Two-way travel resumes on downtown thoroughfare

BOZEMAN, Montana (November 20, 2020) – It is no secret that the Gallatin Valley is expanding rapidly and that this growth is putting significant pressure on existing infrastructure. Fortunately, the Montana Department of Transportation is helping travel flow easier, one project at a time. The Department announced today that two-way travel on Rouse Avenue from Main Street to Oak Street is now fully open.

“Road users can now breathe a sigh of relief as we have completed improvements to the roadway, meaning no more major closures on Rouse Avenue,” William Fogarty, Butte District Administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation, stated. “That said, Rouse Avenue residents can expect to see workers on the side of the road this upcoming spring as we put the finishing touches on the Rouse Ave – Main to Oak project.”

 
Work during the spring of 2021 will include finishing sidewalks, pouring concrete entrances, landscaping, and fully clearing the area of construction equipment. Drivers may see flaggers in place to assist with travel around workers, but no major lane closures are expected. Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise caution when traveling on Rouse Avenue as sidewalks are not fully complete and the newly constructed bike lane may not be fully available as crews work on the side of the road.


The Rouse Avenue – Main to Oak project is a full reconstruction of Rouse Avenue from Main Street to Oak Street. Drivers can now utilize a center turn lane throughout the corridor. Crews also completed a much-needed storm drain replacement, installed two new box culverts – tunnel-like structures – over Bozeman Creek, upgraded several traffic signals and intersections, and rebuilt the multiple layers of road itself. 

Those looking for more information on the Rouse Ave – Main to Oak project are advised to email takami@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at (406) 207-4484. More information can also be found online at bitly.com/rouseavenue.
 
Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided upon request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.