The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has affirmed that it will continue forward with the $65 million US Highway 93 Post Creek Hill and Eagle Pass Trail projects. Despite having a $75 million grant rescinded by the federal government, construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
US 93 is a vital corridor for western Montana communities, providing critical travel lanes connecting residents to amenities and reliable transportation across the state. While the projects along the highway will continue forward, the cut in funding will require MDT to scale down the projects’ scope to account for reduced resources.
The Post Creek Hill project will reconstruct a section of the highway from Post Creek Hill to McDonald Lake Road. With the project’s scope reduced, the state will not prioritize building a northbound truck climbing lane to increase safety and mobility. In addition, the project vision includes building a bridge over Post Creek, providing local wildlife with a safe crossing trail beneath the highway.
The state’s plans for reconstructing Eagle Pass Trail have also been significantly impacted by the sudden loss of funding. The realigned vision will focus on building a wildlife overpass, shared-use path facilities and additional turn lanes. The project will also fully reconstruct the roadway and widen the shoulders.
MDT is currently conducting geotechnical work for both projects, focusing on solid and groundwater testing that will extend into early 2026. The department is also working to acquire right-of-way for the project limits.
Photo by ITB495, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, from Wikimedia Commons
