Transportation Projects

Eaton Street Infrastructure Project, Phase 2

Project Overview: The City of Missoula is moving forward with Phase 2 of the Eaton Street Curb & Sidewalk Improvement Project, extending from South 13th Street West to Sussex Avenue. This project will continue the work completed in Phase I (2022) to improve safety, accessibility, and stormwater management in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood.

Eaton Street is a collector route and designated transit corridor with several bus stops and increasing traffic volumes. The area has long been identified as a priority for sidewalk completion to better serve residents and travelers of all ages and abilities.

Project Description: Phase 2 will create a complete, multimodal connection along Eaton Street by adding:

• New curb, gutter, and sidewalk where none currently exist.
• Curb bulb-outs at select intersections to calm traffic and shorten pedestrian crossings.
• Two sidewalk bridges over existing irrigation ditches.
• Stormwater drainage sumps for improved stormwater management.
• Boulevard trees planted one to two years after construction.

The project will also include asphalt street improvements and better define on-street parking.

Community Benefits: These improvements will:

• Create safe, accessible walking routes for residents of all ages and abilities.
• Calm vehicle traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
• Manage stormwater more effectively and protect local water quality.
• Enhance neighborhood appearance and expand Missoula’s urban forest.
• Support cross-city travel and connectivity for people walking, biking, and driving.

Importantly, this project will be fully funded by the City — no property owner assessments will be required.

Next Steps:

• Fall 2025: Project goes out for bid.
• Spring/Summer 2026: Construction begins, pending City Council approval.
• 2027: Boulevard tree planting.

Project Documents:

• Eaton Street Phase 2 Plans
• Project Update Resident Letter– October 8, 2025

Project History: In December 2024, Missoula City Council voted to pause the project while reevaluating sidewalk funding policies. After review, City leadership has determined to move forward with Phase II using City funds to support equitable neighborhood infrastructure improvements.

City staff will continue to coordinate with property owners about right-of-way improvements and any necessary relocation of private encroachments (fencing, mailboxes, irrigation, etc.).

Project Contacts: Mark Todorovich, Surface Project Coordinator, at 406-552-6098 or at todorovichm@ci.missoula.mt.us.

Flynn Lane Path Improvements

Location: On the west side of Flynn Lane, from Camden Street to Siren Road. 

Description: The City of Missoula plans to design and construct a 10-foot-wide shared-use path that will extend the existing trail from Siren Road north to Camden Street. As part of the project, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) will be installed at the England Boulevard crossing, and trail lighting will be improved at the Camden Street, Mariposa Drive, Chelsea Drive, and Siren Road intersections. Additionally, existing curb ramps will be widened to align with the new path width, and the sidewalk adjacent to Hellgate School will be expanded to 12 feet to create a safe “mixing zone” for path users and student drop-off activity.

Community Benefits: 

• Creates a safe, dedicated space for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Improves non-motorized connections to Hellgate School, the planned regional park, residential neighborhoods, and nearby commercial areas.
• Enhances safety at major crossings, including England Boulevard, Chelsea Drive, and Siren Road.
• Supports future access to the West End Homes development north of England Boulevard.
• Promotes healthy, active lifestyles by expanding safe transportation options.

Project Plan: Flynn Lane Path Project Plan

Project Dates: Construction is set to begin in 2026 however; the date is subject to change.

Contractor: This project will be advertised for bid in winter 2025-2026.

Cost: Estimated at $975,000 (including design and construction).

Project Contact: Brandt Dahlen, Surface Project Coordinator, at dahlenb@ci.missoula.mt.us, or 406-552-6087.

Location: E Franklin from Woodford to Plymouth, Plymouth to Mount, Park from Mount to the alley north of Burlington

Description: The City of Missoula is planning to install curb and sidewalk along the Ivy/Franklin Greenway, traffic calming devices at multiple intersections, and a safer crossing of Mount Ave.

Community Benefits: Create and finish a fully connected multi-modal greenway through the slant streets. Implement a safer street crossing for bicycles and pedestrians at the Plymouth/Mount/Park intersection; including installation of bulbouts and RRFBs. Traffic calming along the corridor, especially at Franklin and Plymouth. Improved management of stormwater and drainage with curb and drywells. Repave asphalt surfaces in poor condition. Establish on-street parking.

Public Meeting: Join us virtually on Teams at noon or in person at Rose Park (star) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. 

Project Dates: Construction is anticipated to begin spring of 2026; subject to change

Contractor: Project will be put out to bid in Winter 2025-2026

Supporting Documents: Plans

Cost: TBD

Contact: Brandt Dahlen, Surface Project Coordinator, dahlenb@ci.missoula.mt.us, 406-552-6087

Maple & Birch Streets — Sidewalk Construction & Street Improvements Project (MRA URD II)

Location: Maple and Birch streets between Reserve and Russell streets

Description: This project involves the installation of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks where none currently exist, along with street pavement milling and paving work. It is funded by the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, with the City Public Works & Mobility Department overseeing construction.

Community Benefits: The addition of sidewalks and bike lane striping will enhance mobility infrastructure and safety. Curbs and gutters will improve drainage and help maintain pavement conditions.

Project Dates: Estimated start date is spring/summer 2026, with completion expected late in 2026.

Contractor: The contractor has yet to be selected, with bids opening in winter 2025.

Cost: TBD pending completion of design phase.

Public Feedback: After presenting the original design to gather feedback from community stakeholders, we refined the design to better align with the following community priorities: 

• Revised Sidewalk Alignment: We reduced the infrastructure width behind the sidewalk near businesses. This change preserves valuable off-street parking while staying within the right-of-way. 
• Balanced On-Street Parking (Alternative C): We maintain parking on both sides—north near N. Russell for residential and south near W. Broadway for commercial needs. 
• Enhanced Traffic Safety: The chosen striping option (Alternative C) will effectively reduce vehicle speeds, increasing safety and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists.

These adjustments reflect our commitment to community needs and improving the overall safety of our streets.

• Area Map
• Proposed Plans
• Restriping Revisions
• Birch St Striping Alternatives Memo

Project Contact: Mark Todorovich, Surface Project Coordinator, at 406-552-6098 or TodorovichM@ci.missoula.mt.us 

South Avenue Safe Streets for All

Locations: 
City Segment:  

• South Avenue from Reserve Street to 36th Avenue

County Segments:

• South Avenue from 36th Avenue to Clements Road
• Clements Road from South Avenue to North Avenue

Description: The project will reconstruct South Avenue from Reserve Street to Clements Road as well as Clements Road from South Avenue to North Avenue. Improvements will include curb and gutter installation, added turn lanes, transit facilities, trail improvements, enhanced crosswalks, drainage structures, lighting, pavement reconstruction, utility relocation, and landscaping. Additional improvements based on comprehensive engineering analysis include a mini-roundabout at South Avenue and Clements Road.

The overall project is being divided into segments: 

• Two segments are within the City's right-of-way
  • Segment 1 runs from Reserve St. to Suzanne Ct. and 
  • Segment 2 consists of the area from Suzanne Ct. to 36th Ave. 
• The third segment of this project is in the County and includes the area from 36th Ave. to Clements Rd.  

For more information on the County’s portion of the project, as well as the combined County and City application for a Safe Streets for All federal grant for portions of this project, please visit the Missoula County Voice project web page at https://missoulacountyvoice.com/south-avenue-safe-streets.

Community Benefits: The project will improve the experience of pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and transit users throughout the corridor with better access to Fort Missoula Regional Park, Big Sky High School, Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Community Medical Center, Target Range Elementary School, and the numerous area residences and businesses. 

The overarching project goals include are summarized as follows: 

1. Enhance Safety 
   • Apply the Safe System Approach (safer people, safer roads, safer speeds, post-crash care). 
   • Reduce serious injuries and fatalities along South Avenue and Clements Road. 
   • Address historical crash trends and proactively mitigate high-risk roadway features. 
   • Implement FHWA’s Proven Safety Countermeasures such as bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalk enhancements, pedestrian refuge islands, RRFBs, roundabout, TWLTL, and lighting. 
   • Consolidate access points to reduce conflict zones. 
2. Improve Accessibility 
   • Provide safe, connected, and ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities on both sides of the corridor. 
   • Upgrade and connect to the existing shared-use path network. 
   • Improve access to transit stops, schools, parks, medical facilities, and neighborhood services. 
   • Coordinate with the transit agency for safer, more efficient bus stop designs. 
3. Support Climate, Sustainability, and Economic Competitiveness 
   • Shift trips toward walking, biking, and transit, reducing vehicle dependence and improving air quality. 
   • Incorporate green infrastructure (landscaped boulevards, stormwater filtration) to protect Missoula’s sole-source aquifer. 
   • Strengthen economic development by safely linking residential, recreational, medical, and commercial destinations. 

Project Dates: 

• January 2024 – Initial FHWA Grant Agreement Executed
• Fall 2024 – Stakeholder Coordination and Revise Schematic Design
• Spring Summer 2025 – Intersection Control Evaluation, Landowner Meetings, and Final Design
• July 2024 – Environmental Analysis Complete
• September 2025 – Public Meeting #3
• Forthcoming Work ->
  • Right-of-Way Negotiation/Acquisition – Winter 2025 through Summer 2026
  • Utility Relocation – Spring through Summer 2026
  • Released For Construction Plans
  • Advertise and Bid Late 2027
  • Construction 2027 and 2028

Consultant and Contractor: 

• Engineer – WGM Group
• Construction Contractor – To be determined

Cost: 80% of project costs are funded through a federal Safe Streets for All grant, and the remaining 20% is covered by City and County local funding match contributions. The overall budget for the project, including preliminary engineering, Right-of-Way acquisition, and construction is $12,556,445.

Next Steps: Missoula City and County personnel are holding an open house at the Big Sky High School cafeteria from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 to the latest information on project design, schedule, and funding. Following the open house, the project team will move into the Right-of-Way acquisition and final design phase of the project.

Project Contacts: Ryan Guelff, Surface Transportation Senior Engineer, at GuelffR@ci.missoula.mt.us or 406-552-6678

Washburn, Idaho, Montana & Catlin Streets—Water Main & Sidewalk Project (MRA URD II)