BILLINGS, Mont. - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is hosting a pre-construction open house on Wednesday, April 2, to update the public on the status of the Zoo Drive Improvements project and provide information about upcoming construction plans. This event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity to ask questions, provide comments, and look at visuals of the planned improvements.
The purpose of the Zoo Drive Improvements project is to improve traffic operations and enhance safety features on Zoo Drive between Shiloh Road and South Frontage Road, in Billings.
Planned improvements include:- Widening and reconfiguring Zoo Drive to a five-lane roadway with two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane.
- Widening and reconfiguring a section of Gabel Road between Circle K and the intersection with Zoo Drive to a five-lane layout with four southbound lanes. This will include a second left-turn lane from Gabel Road onto Zoo Drive, toward Interstate 90 (I-90).
- Intersection improvements and traffic signal upgrades.
- Pavement marking modifications.
- Median modifications.
- Additional connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades.
- Widening the eastbound I-90 ramps.
- Milling and paving the roadway.
“While there will be temporary disruptions to traffic during construction, this project will provide much-needed improvements to the Zoo Drive corridor,” said Kyle Shuck, MDT Billings District Projects Engineer.
Planning for growth and cost efficiency, MDT originally designed the Zoo Drive corridor as a five-lane roadway with the intention of adding travel lanes in the future without having to reconstruct the corridor.
The open house will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites off Gabel Road (3350 Ember Lane, Billings, MT 59102). This event will be an informal, open house format. Attendees are encouraged to come and go whenever is convenient for them during the scheduled time. Light refreshments will be provided.
MDT selected Knife River as the primary contractor for the Zoo Drive Improvements project. Construction is expected to begin this summer with anticipated completion in the fall of 2025.
Comments, questions, or concerns can be directed to zoodrive@dowl.com or by calling 406-577-7781. More information and instructions on signing up for project updates can be found at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/zoodrive/.
Anyone needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in an MDT program, service, or activity should contact the event organizer or MDT’s ADA Coordinator at mmaze@mt.gov, 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711. Requests should be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event. The department will make every attempt to honor requests made within 48 hours of a scheduled event or activity.