Please join us at one of three open houses this summer!
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announces three upcoming Bell Crossing Roundabout project open houses, which will be held on Tuesday, July 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, August 29 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stevensville School High School Library (300 Park Avenue Stevensville, MT). All are encouraged to stop by at any time to meet the project team, learn more, and have their questions answered. By hosting three open houses on various days and times, and within differing weeks, our goal is to ensure members of the public have the option to attend at a time most convenient to them. We recognize the importance of this project to the community.
Multiple crashes and near misses have occurred at this intersection, requiring upgrades to the existing intersection. A traffic study completed by MDT indicates a strong need for safety enhancements. To address this critical need, MDT studied multiple improvement alternatives, including a stop light and a roundabout, and would like to discuss design alternatives to enhance safety features and improve traffic flow. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, unforeseen circumstances permitting.
A two-lane roundabout has been identified as the ideal alternative for this intersection due to its safety benefits. Roundabouts are a safer alternative to traditional stop signs or signal-controlled intersections. They reduce fatal crashes by 90%, injury crashes by 75%, and overall crashes by 37%. When approaching a roundabout, drivers are forced to slow down to circulate around the roundabout, thereby nearly eliminating the opportunity for a T-bone collision.
Most crashes in roundabouts result in property damage only, which is why we see the encouraging statistics shared above.
The goal of the open house events is to gather feedback from community members on this design alternative, share information on the design, as well as the process that went into selecting the roundabout design over another potential solutions.
We understand that roundabouts are relatively new to Montana and may require a learning curve. Our top priority at MDT, first and foremost, is always safety. This design has proven to be the safest option. However, we fully recognize the need for continued conversation on potential impacts and community education on navigating a roundabout. A contracting team has not yet been selected. Right-of-way and construction impacts are not fully fleshed out at this time. More information will be provided as design work continues and construction approaches.
If you would like to share your feedback but cannot attend the event, please call the MDT Hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours.
This project is one component of MDT’s Vision Zero mission. Launched in May 2014, Vision Zero is an ongoing statewide collaboration among hundreds of agencies and organizations striving for zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana’s roadways.
Weekly updates will be available during construction. Subscribe for email updates, or if you have questions, contact Becca at
Project Overview
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announces a construction project at the Bell Crossing and US Highway 93 (US 93) intersection in Victor. A two-lane roundabout has been selected as the design alternative to enhance safety features and improve traffic flow at this location. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Multiple crashes and near misses have occurred in this area, requiring an improved intersection design. MDT has selected the two-lane roundabout design to enhance roadway safety features. The entire US 93 corridor is a top priority for MDT.
Project Timeline:
In 2024, the project team will select a design build team, and then work to finalize right-of-way agreements and the two-lane roundabout design. An open house will be held later this year to share additional details with the public and gather feedback. Updates about the open house will be provided once it has been scheduled.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring or summer of 2025, weather and other factors permitting. Updates about impacts to traffic will be provided as construction approaches. MDT will provide educational material on two-lane roundabouts before construction starts, to ensure that drivers are prepared for this traffic configuration.
Two-Lane Roundabout Information:
- As you approach a two-lane roundabout, slow down.
- Choose the lane you need to travel in based on the exit you need to take.
- If you plan to turn right, approach the right lane.
- If you plan to travel straight or turn left, approach the left lane.
- Then, look left and yield to drivers inside the roundabout. Never change lanes once inside the roundabout.
- Turn your blinker on as you exit the roundabout.
For details on general roundabout safety, please visit our Vision Zero information.
Questions? Call 406-207-4484.
To sign up for updates as the project progresses, please email
For more information or if you have questions, please call the project hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours or email
Bell Crossing Traffic Study Summary
The following details the traffic study conducted by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) for the Bell Crossing and Highway 93 intersection near Victor, Montana. The results of this study clearly indicate that a roundabout is the safest design to limit severe crashes and fatalities.
The data collection, which commenced in 2019 and incorporated historical crash data from June 15, 2015, through June 15, 2020, was a comprehensive process. This allowed MDT to utilize a five-year crash history in their analysis.
The report meticulously examined the Bitterroot Valley's future growth, and it was conclusively determined that the roundabout will operate at the highest level of service (A) through the design year 2045. A signal, on the other hand, would drop to service level C at the same 2045 design year.
During this time:
- There were six total crashes reported.
- Half of the crashes (three) were right-angle, T-bone collisions. Of these T-bone collisions, two resulted in serious injuries.
- T-bone crashes are predominant at Bell Crossing.
- None of the crashes involved impaired driving.
After the data collection, MDT is also aware that a fatal T-bone collision occurred at Bell Crossing in 2023. In fact, since the study crash analysis began (June 16, 2020 – March 31, 2024), there have been eight intersection crashes, seven of which were T-bone crashes, one of which was a fatality.