June 2025
Ninepipe, Eagle Pass Trail geotechnical work

The Montana Department of Transportation, DOWL, Jacobs, Alpine Geotechnical, Salisbury and Associates, and Poteet Construction will begin geotechnical investigation work in the US Highway 93 (US 93) Ninepipe: Eagle Pass Trail area starting the week of June 9 and continuing through the end of June. The schedule may fluctuate depending on weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Work will take place on and around US 93 between Brooke Lane and south of Eagle Pass Trail. Crews will be boring along the roadway. Boring is creating a hole in the ground to support future utilities and geotechnical investigations.

Traffic on the highway will be affected. Drivers can expect alternating one-way traffic control with signals and pilot cars facilitating traffic movement from each end of the work zone. All work will take place during daylight hours to enhance crew and driver safety. Please expect delays due to signal and pilot cars navigating the work zone. Be cautious of workers, equipment, and other drivers.

Drivers may also notice crews off the roadway completing environmental investigation including wetland delineations. This work will not directly affect traffic.

With questions about this project, please email me at becca@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 406-207-4484. To receive text updates, text POSTCREEKHILL or EAGLEPASS to 41411. *Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information, read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy.

Project Overview

US Highway 93 (US 93) is a vital transportation corridor for many growing western Montana communities and the surrounding area. With increasing traffic volumes, especially during the busy summer months, the US 93 corridor is a priority for the Montana Department of Transportation’s (MDT) Missoula District. This includes the US 93 North - Post Creek Hill and US 93 Ninepipe Eagle Pass Trail area projects.

MDT and partners are currently in the design phase of the US 93 North – Post Creek Hill project which will reconstruct US 93 from Red Horn Road/Dublin Gulch Road to Gunlock Road/Olsen Road to include safety and accessibility enhancements, along with wildlife accommodations.

Concurrently, the design phase of the US 93 Ninepipe Eagle Pass Trail project is also underway. This will reconstruct US 93 from Brooke Lane to south of Eagle Pass Trail in the Ninepipe area.

Please see the map below as a guiding visual representation of the area projects.

Post Creek Hill reconstruct

  • Widening the roadway to include 8-foot-wide shoulders.
  • Constructing a northbound truck climbing lane at Post Creek Hill.
  • Constructing left-turn lanes at major intersections.
  • Installing a new bridge over Post Creek that facilitates wildlife movement underneath the highway.
  • Constructing a shared-use path.

Ninepipe Eagle Pass Trail reconstruct

  • Roadway reconstruction with widened shoulders.
  • Three new highway bridges.
  • One wildlife overpass.
  • Shared use-path facilities.
  • Wildlife fencing and accommodation features.
  • Intersection improvements.
  • Drainage updates.

Collaboration

MDT is partnering with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to complete the US 93 North – Post Creek Hill and US 93 Ninepipe Eagle Pass Trail project. This partnership symbolizes MDT’s commitment to preserving Montana’s natural heritage and collaborating with its communities. Recognizing the importance of clear communication and mutual understanding, MDT will work closely with stakeholders to provide updates regarding the area project’s development.

MDT also recognizes the need to begin these projects and is using interactive alternative contracting methods to complete the projects. This process allows MDT, CSKT, and the design engineers to work with construction contractors from the beginning. This will allow the team to move efficiently through the design phase to construction. Through these alternative contracting methods, the project team will be able to develop better solutions, have a clear understanding of project costs early on, and maintain quality while expediting project delivery.

A public open house is planned to share project information and allow the project team to gather feedback, answer questions, and hear from the community. More information will be provided closer to the anticipated date. Please continue to check this website for these dates or sign up for project updates contact Becca via email to subscribe.

Design Team

On the US 93 Post Creek Hill project, MDT is working alongside a team of Montana-based engineering experts to develop a highly complex project. Partners include Morrison-Maierle, Inc., SK Geotechnical, Kiewit Infrastructure Corp., Krebs Corp., KLJ Engineering, and DOWL.

On the US 93 Ninepipe Eagle Pass trail project, MDT is working alongside a team of engineering and construction experts to advance this important project. Partners include Sundt-Schellinger (a Joint Venture), DOWL, DJ&A, and Jacobs.

Construction

Construction on both the US 93 North -Post Creek Hill and US 93 Ninepipe Eagle Pass Trail projects is tentatively planned for 2027. This schedule is subject to change due to funding availability, completion of the final design, and other unforeseen factors.

In the meantime, the public is encouraged to reach out with thoughts and questions by calling the project hotline 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing becca@bigskypublicrelations.com.

UPN: 8008
UPN: 10567, 10568, & 9614