Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Hoffman’s R&M Services LLC will be constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Applegate Drive north of Helena.

The purpose of this project is to enhace safety features and improve traffic operations at this intersection. MDT anually gathers safety information and evaluates crashes that occur statewide. After analysis, MDT determined that the Lincoln Road – Applegate Drive intersection warranted improvements.

Improvements include:

• Constructing a roundabout with 12-foot travel lanes and 2-foot shoulders
• Constructing an 18-foot wide “truck apron,” which is a slightly raised
surface that allows large trucks to make turns at the intersection
• Constructing pedestrian crossings on each side of the roundabout
• Installing lighting, curb, gutters, and no-maintenance landscaping in the center median
• Targeting a 15-mph speed for motorists entering the roundabout

Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026 and take a single season to complete.

What to expect during construction:

• Reduced speed limits
• Single-lane traffic through the project area
• Traffic directed by flaggers or temporary signals
• Possible short-term closures
• Possible detours
• Possible width restrictions (visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date information on road conditions)

Why is the project needed?

Between 2005 and 2015, a total of 39 crashes occurred at this intersection, including one fatality and three incapacitating injuries. In addition, the north valley of Helena has experienced rapid growth in recent years due in part to development activity and changes in land use. As a result, traffic volumes have been increasing rapidly near the Lincoln Road and Applegate Drive intersection increasing the likelihood of congestion and crashes.

Stay Informed, Get Involved

MDT will notify the public about traffic impacts and work activities through the project website, local media, mailings, social media, and email and text notifications during construction. See the sidebar to sign up for construction updates.

To provide a comment, click here.

Current construction information and road conditions can be found on the MDT Travel Info App.

UPN 9188000