The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to invite the public to an open house and informational meeting to present the latest plans to reconstruct U.S. Highway 287 near Toston from reference post 85.9 to reference post 89.3.

The open house is Sept. 7, at the Broadwater County High School Community Room (201 North Spruce Street) in Townsend and will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation at 6:00 p.m.

The presentation will explain the basis for the design, including how stakeholder input was considered in conjunction with highway and bridge design standards to select the highway alignment and various design features such as local accessibility for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The meeting is the last in a series of four public meetings leading to MDT's design decisions. Procedures and expected schedules for final design and construction also will be presented.

Project team members will be available during the open house and after the presentation to discuss the project.

The purpose of the project is to upgrade the existing sub-standard horizontal and vertical alignments to meet current standards, and to provide a roadway that accommodates future traffic demands for the diverse nature of traffic on the corridor. Proposed work includes reconstructing the highway to include two travel lanes in each direction, a center turn lane, and widened shoulders. New bridges over the Missouri River and the Montana Rail Link railroad tracks will be constructed and the existing bridges removed. Upgraded pavement markings, signage and guardrail also will be included.

Construction is tentatively planned to begin in 2019 depending on completion of design and availability of funds. New right-of-way and relocation of utilities will be required. MDT staff will contact landowners prior to construction regarding property acquisition and temporary construction permits.

For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.