Southwest Montana News

The City of Helena has secured two planning grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation, totaling $4.5 million, to enhance transportation infrastructure in the area.

The first grant, amounting to $1.3 million, was awarded through the RAISE grant program. This funding will be used to plan and design a road connecting the South Helena I-15 interchange to US Highway 12. The project aims to explore various aspects such as lane configurations, traffic control needs, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit and freight accommodations, public infrastructure extensions, and sustainable design features.

Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins expressed enthusiasm about this development: “The City is thrilled to be awarded the RAISE grant for the East Side Arterial Connector Planning Project,” he stated. He highlighted that this initiative could significantly impact traffic and connectivity while expanding housing development opportunities in the valley.

In addition to the RAISE grant, Helena received a $3.2 million grant through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. This funding will support a study on creating a grade separation on Montana Avenue at the railroad tracks in collaboration with BNSF Railway and the Montana Department of Transportation. The project includes designing a roundabout at the intersection of Montana Avenue, Helena Avenue, and E Lyndale Avenue.

Mayor Collins acknowledged their partners' role in securing this grant: “The City is incredibly thankful to our partners at BNSF Railway and Montana Department of Transportation for collaborating on this grant application.” He noted that addressing the longstanding challenge posed by the railroad crossing would improve Helena's transportation network significantly.