BILLINGS, Mont. - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and partner Knife River plan to begin construction on the Zoo Drive Improvements project in early June, starting with road widening on the Interstate 90 (I-90) eastbound on and off ramps at the Zoo Drive Interchange. Drivers can expect shoulder work and construction equipment entering the ramps for the widening work.
Once widening of the eastbound ramps is complete, Knife River plans to start on median modifications to accommodate additional travel lanes on Zoo Drive, working northwest toward Shiloh Road. The anticipated construction sequence and schedule may change based on a variety of factors such as weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
The purpose of this project is to improve traffic operations and enhance safety features on Zoo Drive between Shiloh Road and South Frontage Road. Zoo Drive will become a five-lane roadway with two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane at each intersection.
A section of Gabel Road leading up to the Zoo Drive intersection will also be widened and reconfigured as part of the Zoo Drive Improvements project. This includes the addition of a second left-turn lane from Gabel Road onto Zoo Drive, toward I-90.
During construction, the traveling public can expect:
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Minor delays can be expected throughout construction. Traffic control may include single-lane traffic, reduced speeds, and temporary traffic signals.
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There will be an approximately two-week closure of the Zoo Drive intersection with Gabel Road and Pierce Parkway to allow crews to complete intersection modifications in a timely manner and minimize overall impacts on the traveling public. This work is planned for late summer/early fall. During the closure, drivers will need to access businesses at that intersection using an alternate route and/or intersection.
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Regular text and email updates will be distributed throughout construction. To subscribe for updates, members of the public can visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/zoodrive/ or email zoodrive@dowl.com
MDT urges the public to consider using alternate routes whenever possible to help prevent construction-related travel delays and ease congestion while project improvements are being completed.
Knife River anticipates construction completion in November 2025, weather and other factors permitting.
More information and instructions on signing up for project updates can be found at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/zoodrive/. Comments, questions, or concerns can be directed to zoodrive@dowl.com or by calling 406-577-7781.