UPDATE OCTOBER 2024: Current work on Custer Avenue is part of the Custer Avenue Signals project. This includes an additional left turn lane for east bound traffic on Custer Avenue, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades to sidewalks and ramps on Montana Avenue at the intersections with Tara Court and Partridge Place, new signal and pedestrian hardware at multiple locations throughout the project area, and median changes in front of Power Townsend. The purpose of this project is to improve traffic flow and operations near the Custer Avenue and Montana Avenue intersection and enhance safety for all roadway users. For additional information, please contact MDT’s Public Information Officer, Charity Burns, by calling 406-444-6821 or emailing chburnsXYZmtABCgov.

Thank you!

Custer Avenue current photo

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is in early phases of a project intended to improve West Custer Avenue from North Montana to Henderson Street.

The need for improvements on Custer Avenue is pressing. Traffic volumes are increasing on Custer Avenue, with congestion during peak times. In response, MDT, the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County came together and prioritized improvements to Custer Avenue in Helena’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (see link in sidebar to access the full plan).

As the Montana Department of Transportation moves forward with the Custer Avenue improvements, public input is a crucial part of the process and all are encouraged to reach out with thoughts and comments on improvements to the area.

The Custer Avenue project is complex; there are many difficulties that must be addressed. There is a lengthy process that will be undertaken before construction begins.

Custer Avenue Display poster with questions

Click to view a larger image.

Traffic Simulations

What does the future of Custer Avenue look like? Check out these simulations of current traffic- and future traffic realities if nothing is done to improve Custer Avenue.

Existing 2017
Projected 2027

Planning for Custer Avenue

Improvements on a busy roadway like Custer Avenue take time. We all know of a road in our community that could use work. But with 25,000 miles of roadway across Montana to consider, how does the MDT turn big projects like Custer Avenue and turn it into a reality?

Development to Completion steps graphic

Click to view a larger image.

As the project moves through these important phases, MDT encourages residents to reach out with thoughts on the project to help guide thinking around project elements such as detour routes, impacts to the traveling public, safety concerns and the needs of commercial and agricultural vehicles.

Questions?

Another current photo of Custer Avenue

For more information regarding the Custer Avenue project, all are encouraged to call 406-207-4484 or email Katie. Text CUSTER to 41411 for updates.

Read more in the news: Roundabouts, new traffic lanes among proposed options to improve Custer Avenue

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