Project Overview

During construction season 2023, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Razz Construction, Inc. made significant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades and roadway improvements on approximately 1 mile of the Thompson Falls Main Street / Montana Highway 200 (MT 200) corridor in Sanders County.

Seal and cover (chip seal) warranty period repairs will be made during construction season 2024. MDT will notify residents and businesses of work prior to construction and is committed to working closely with the public and stakeholders throughout the process.

Project Map

About the Thompson Falls - Urban Project

The Thompson Falls - Urban project is a component of the statewide ADA Transition Plan to improve pedestrian infrastructure. These improvements focused on updating curb ramps that transition pedestrians on or off the sidewalk, typically at a crosswalk. The project also rehabilitated Main Street to enhance roadway safety features, provide a smoother driving surface, and reduce maintenance costs.

This project updated 30 sidewalk curb ramps in Thompson Falls, bringing sidewalk access into compliance with the revised ADA standards and improving accessibility for all residents. Thanks to upgraded features including sloped transitions and wider landings, the new curb ramps are easier to maneuver for individuals who use assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes, as well as those pushing strollers or delivery dollies.

Detectable warnings were also installed with each curb ramp. Detectable warnings are the textured, visually contrasting surfaces that indicate where a curb ramp transitions to the street. They provide a tactile warning to users with vision impairments that they are entering the roadway.

The project also included improvements to multiple approaches, lighting, drainage, and signage.

About the MDT ADA Transition Plan

The MDT ADA Transition Plan is based on MDT’s ongoing efforts to increase accessibility for non-motorized users and to encourage collaboration between MDT and residents across Montana. Montana is a large state that accommodates many user groups. The ADA Transition Plan helps guide MDT in providing accessibility improvements across the state. The full ADA Transition Plan is available through MDT’s Office of Civil Rights.

UPN: 9708000