MT 64 TIGER Grant Project in Big Sky Making Steady Progress

Local Big Sky residents have patiently followed the MT 64 TIGER Grant project since it was awarded to Gallatin County in 2019. Now, the surrounding community is witnessing the initial improvements take shape.

“We are pleased to have this project underway,” Danielle Scharf, project manager at Sanderson Stewart, said. “These are much-needed enhancements and will greatly benefit anyone traveling this corridor.”

Gallatin County, in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Sanderson Stewart and Riverside Contracting is making major infrastructure improvements on the Lone Mountain Trail and MT Highway 64 corridor in the Big Sky area. Project design and construction have been made possible through a nationally competitive FHWA discretionary fund opportunity called a TIGER Grant, awarded to Gallatin County in 2019, as well as local funds contributed by Gallatin County, Madison County, MDT, and Big Sky Resort Area District.

Previous right-of-way and budget challenges caused early delays, but the project is now moving forward. This summer demonstrates significant proof of progress as crews add a new left-turn lane at the Powder Light Subdivision. MDT upgraded the traffic signal at the US 191 intersection in the fall of 2021 and utility relocations were completed in the spring of 2022.

After construction wraps up in the 2022 season, crews will start work on the project's next phase in spring 2023. These improvements will include a new traffic signal and pedestrian tunnel near the MT Highway 64 and Little Coyote Road intersection. Roadway and intersection improvements beginning at the intersection of US 191 to Big Sky Resort Road will include upgraded wildlife signage and curve warning signage, shoulder modifications west of the intersection with US 191, as well as the addition of left-turn lanes at Huntley Drive, Big Pine Drive, Andesite Road, and Big Sky Resort Road. Paved multi-use pathways will also be constructed along MT 64 from Big Pine Drive to Andesite Road and along Little Coyote Road from MT 64 to the Big Sky Community Park, including a pedestrian bridge near the park. Chip sealing and final pavement markings will be completed in 2024.

Each phase of project construction will improve safety and convenience for road and pedestrian travelers along the MT Highway 64 corridor.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided upon request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.

Have questions? For more information, visit https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mt64/ or email Kristine Fife at kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com.