Improvements for the Batavia Lane and US 2 intersection anticipated for 2027 construction season
KALISPELL, Mont. – (June 16, 2026) – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and engineering consultant Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA) are pleased to share that design plans for the Batavia Intersection Improvements project have been finalized.
“This milestone was reached after years of planning, public input, and evaluation,” MDT’s Missoula District Administrator, John Schmidt, said. “Safety was a top consideration, as well as improving operations at this intersection.”
With the design phase complete, the project is currently in right-of-way negotiations with adjacent landowners. The project will open for contractor bids in early 2027, with construction anticipated to begin later that year. MDT will continue to share project updates with the community throughout construction.
The path toward improving the Batavia Lane and US Highway 2 (US 2) intersection began in 2014, when a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) safety audit identified the area as a high-priority location due to its crash history and pedestrian risks near Smith Valley School. An Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) compared multiple intersection improvement alternatives to reduce speeds and enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety, ultimately leading to the selection of a roundabout as the preferred alternative in March 2022.
The selected roundabout design will reduce vehicle speeds and accommodate large trucks and equipment while improving pedestrian access and traffic flow.
Extensive public outreach throughout the evaluation process provided the project team with valuable feedback regarding safety and operational concerns. Nearby residents and community members shared concerns about high-speed traffic on US 2, the safety of school children crossing Batavia and US 2, difficult left turns from Batavia Lane, and access for large commercial vehicles and farm equipment. These conversations contributed to the selected design to address operational challenges and enhance pedestrian safety.
More information about the Batavia Intersection Improvements project can be found at mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/batavia/
MDT is a workforce of over 2,000 people across Montana determined to do all we can so that you arrive at your destination safely. Our mission is to build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.