BUTTE, Mont. — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is seeking public comment on the Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation for the Pipestone Pass Erosion Repair project. The project is located southeast of the Pipestone Trailhead on Montana Highway 2 (MT 2) between mile markers 75.1 and 75.5.
The federally required Section 4(f) evaluation applies to projects that use publicly owned land from a park, recreation area, wildlife refuge, or historic site.
The Pipestone Pass project will require permanent use of the historic Harding Way Retaining Wall and the Milwaukee Road Pipestone Pass Tunnel Number 11. The tunnel is closed and unsuitable for public use. The project will address drainage issues, slope erosion, and safety concerns along MT 2, which will result in the retaining wall being buried and the tunnel entrance being filled in.
MDT has coordinated with the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the State Historic Preservation Office to minimize harm and mitigate impacts to these historic resources.
Any person, agency, or organization may submit written comments regarding the Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation, including proposed avoidance alternatives and mitigation measures to mdt4fcomments@mt.gov or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Attention: Tom Gocksch, Environmental Engineering Section Supervisor at PO Box 201001, 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59620-1001.
Public comments must be submitted on or before July 27, 2026. The Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation prepared for the proposed Pipestone Pass Erosion Repair project is available for review at mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/environmental/section4f-documents.aspx.
MDT is a workforce of over 2,000 people across Montana determined to do all we can so that you arrive at your destination safely. Our mission is to build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.
To request an alternative accessible format of this document, please contact MDT’s ADA coordinator at 406-444-5416, Montana Relay Service at 711, or by email at mdtaccessibilityrequest@mt.gov.
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Project name: Pipestone Pass Erosion RepairProject ID: STPP 29-3(13)75
Control Number: 10092000