BOZEMAN — The Montana Department of Transportation is preparing to start what they, along with the City of Bozeman, say is a much-needed road project in Downtown Bozeman.
Once it starts, though, you will see some delays.
Starting Monday next week, MDT will dig into the Main to Oak project, which will involve closing the entire stretch of street on Rouse Ave up to Peach Street.
MDT will be installing new box culverts there, as well as trimming trees, installing a new storm drain, and adjusting the water main.
Altogether, with the next phase aiming to begin next year, both MDT and city officials say the transformation will improve safety and keep the nearby Bozeman Creek healthy.
“Taking into account Bozeman Creek and making sure that MDT is accommodating for that in the work is important to us," says Melody Mileur, communications coordinator for the City of Bozeman.
“If the first time you hear about a project is when orange signs pop up on the side of the road, we failed to communicate so the open house gives folks a chance to come in and look the plans over," says William Fogarty, Butte district administrator at MDT.
A detour will be in place and 15 minute delays are expected once this project begins.
Check out the full release from MDT below:
BOZEMAN, Montana (September 23, 2019) – The Montana Department of Transportation announces that fall construction will start Monday, September 30 on Rouse Avenue as part of the Rouse Avenue – Main to Oak project. Two box culverts will be installed underneath Rouse Avenue. Box culverts resemble a bridge or tunnel and allow water to flow freely below the road. Additional work will include tree trimming, storm drain installation, water main adjustments, and exploratory excavation.
“This part of the project will address the much-needed improvements around the flow of Bozeman Creek,” Geno Liva, District Construction Engineer for the Montana Department of Transportation, said. “Installing new box culverts will allow the creek to flow safely and without detriment to the road above. We know residents want to see this work finished, so we ask for patience as we go through this important step prior to major construction in 2020.”
During fall construction, Rouse Avenue will be closed from Peach Street to Lamme Street, and Peach Street will be closed from Rouse Avenue to Church Avenue. The roads will reopen once preparation work is complete in November (weather depending).
Between September and November, delays of up to 15 minutes can be anticipated for drivers to reroute through the downtown Bozeman area. Vehicles traveling on Rouse Avenue will be detoured from Oak Street to Seventh Avenue to Main Street. Local traffic and emergency vehicles will still be able to navigate the area. However, all modes of traffic are advised to use the proposed detour whenever possible.
Crews will work Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and detour signage will be in place to help direct traffic. Further traffic control information can be found on the project webpage at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/rouseoakmain/ [mdt.mt.gov].
The goal is to complete this phase of construction prior to winter, weather depending. If early snows and frost delay work, it will be finished in spring of 2020. Once spring 2020 arrives, crews will return to complete the majority of the Rouse Ave – Main to Oak project.
ABOUT ROUSE AVENUE - MAIN TO OAK PROJECT
Rouse Ave - Main to Oak involves widening 0.9 miles of Rouse Avenue in order to add increased capacity to Bozeman’s street grid, making it easier and safer for residents, commuters and visitors to access Bozeman’s vibrant downtown corridor. Project improvements will include vehicle turn lanes, additional bicycle travel lanes, and sections with two-way left-turn lanes throughout.
The Montana Department of Transportation recognizes the impacts of construction on businesses, residents, and travelers and are committed to mitigating those challenges by delivering practical and timely information. The following resources will provide important updates as fall construction moves forward.
