US 212 - Red Lodge to Roberts Quarterly Update: April 2021

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) continues to move the US 212 – Red Lodge to Roberts project forward. The MDT project team is currently a little more than halfway through right-of-way negotiations with landowners. This is when plans become truly solidified as landowners and MDT representatives come to an agreement on the changes happening to their plot. During this time, staff not only work on right-of-way contracts, they make adjustments to project details as a result of negotiations. 

In addition, staff are securing environmental permits, another key task needed for any project. In order to receive the permits needed for construction, other agencies review MDT’s plans, ensuring that the least environmentally damaging alternative was chosen and that impacts are limited as much as possible.

Both of these processes can take multiple months and can be lengthened further if agreements cannot be reached or if major changes are requested. It is the goal to have the project fully ready to build by 2022 or 2023. MDT also continues to look for funding to complete the project on this timeframe, but it could be a few years beyond this estimate that funding is solidified and construction occurs.

You are always welcome to reach out with thoughts and questions at any time. Please call 406-207-4484 or email me at takami@bigskypublicrelations.com. 

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on 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.

Best,

Takami Clark

Big Sky Public Relations on behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation