A map of the US 12/US 287 Spokane Creek to Townsend project. Map shows an approximation of US Highway 12/US Highway 287 from the Spokane Creek area (just east of East Helena) to the Townsend area, with Canyon Ferry Lake nearby. The map highlights three different projects, these projects are as follows: - A reconstruction project from Spokane Creek to Winston, begins in Spokane Creek and proceeds southeast ending near Main Street and Beaver Creek Road in Winston. - An Intersection project in Winston. This project is at the intersection of US 12/US 287 and Beaver Creek Road in Winston. - Another reconstruction project from The Silos area to just northeast of Townsend. This project area begins near Silos Road/Antelope Road and extends southeast, ending just northwest of the Missouri River crossing outside of Townsend. The map legend differentiates these projects by having the reconstruction projects highlight sections of the roadway, and the intersection project indicated by a circle on the roadway. Other notable major roads like Whitehorse Road, Filson Road, and Quarter Circle Road are also illustrated on this map. Townsend is in the lower right corner of the map and an arrow pointing toward Helena is in the upper left corner of the map.
  • August 03 2026

TOWNSEND, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is hosting an open house to discuss proposed improvements on U.S. Highway 12 (US 12) and U.S. Highway 287 (US 287) between Spokane Creek and Townsend. Information on three projects under design will be available for review.

The open house will be held in Townsend on Thursday, August 20, at The Flynn Building, 416 Broadway Street. The public is welcome to drop in at any time between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

“We are still early in the development process of these three projects,” said Brandon Jones, MDT Butte District Project Development Engineer. “I encourage the public to participate in the open house to learn more about the proposed improvements and provide feedback.”

Each project will improve specific sections of the highway to address traffic congestion and vehicle crashes. Information available for review at the open house will include a project to widen approximately 5 miles of US 12/US 287 between Spokane Creek Road and Winston, a project to add left-turn lanes at the intersection with Beaver Creek Road in Winston, and a project to widen approximately 5 miles of US 12/US 287 between Silos Road and Cottonwood Campground northwest of Townsend.

All three projects propose to add new pavement markings, signage, rumble strips, and apply a seal and cover (chip seal).

MDT identified these sections of highway as being heavily traveled and experiencing increased traffic. Narrow lanes and shoulder widths on the highway increase congestion and limit safe passing opportunities.

These projects are in the preliminary design phase. Construction will not occur until after the designs are finalized, funding has been identified, and the necessary right-of-way has been acquired.

For more information about the open house, contact Brandon Coates at Brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350, or visit the project website at mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/spokanecreek.

Any person with a disability needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity or an alternative accessible format of this notice should contact Brandon Coates, 406-465-3350 or MDT’s ADA Coordinator at mdtaccessibilityrequest@mt.gov, 406-444-5416, or Montana Relay Service at 711. Requests for an accommodation to participate should be made by August 6, 2026. MDT will attempt to honor requests made after this date.

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Tags: Open House, News Releases and Proposed