Lola Shephard Intersection Improvement Project logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is designing intersection improvements along US 12 in southeast Helena at:

  • Tricia Street/Centennial Drive (Frontage Roads).
  • Shephard Way.
  • Elaine Street.
  • Lola Street.
  • Nicole Street.

The need for the project is due to the high frequency of crashes resulting from vehicles turning left from the Lola Street onto the westbound lanes of US 12. The goals of the project are to:

  • Enhance safety for all users.
  • Reduce congestion.
  • Minimize impacts to adjacent properties.

After careful consideration of safety and operational needs, and input from the public and area stakeholders in March 2019 and September 2020, the project team has identified the following improvements were determined to best meet the safety and operational needs:

  • A new traffic signal on US12 at Nicole Street/North Street.
  • A roundabout at the North Street-Tricia Street/Lola Street intersection.
  • Removing access to US 12 at, Elaine Street, Lola Street, and between Colleen and Florence Streets.
  • Re-direct vehicle traffic from Shepard Way to access US 12 only from the west, as North Street to the east will be disconnected.
  • Improved pedestrian/cyclist crossing at the signalized intersection of Nicole Street/US 12 to access the existing shared use path on the north side of US 12, between the highway and Centennial Drive.

(updated 9/13/24)
Design will continue through spring of 2025. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2026 depending on completion of design and availability of funding.

UPN 9026000