Montana US 93
Project Description
The reconstruction of US Highway 93 represents one of the most extensive wildlife-sensitive highway design efforts in North America. This 56 mile section includes 42 fish and wildlife crossing structures, 2 underpasses for live-stock and approximately 8.4 miles of fencing. This construction comes after several years of negotiations with Montana DOT, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation and the Federal Highway Administration. Because of all the people working on this project, it has been named “The Peoples Way.”
Project Map
County: Lake County, MT; Missoula County, MT; Ravalli County, MT
Project Size:
- 146.22 miles
Project Sites
- US 93
- US 93
- US 93
Goals and Targets
Primary Motivations:
-
Conservation Mission
The construction of over 40 wildlife crossing structures allows for habitat connectivity for several species, including grizzly bears, elk, mountain lion, bobcat and black bear. These species will be able to cross the recently widened highway safely and continue on their search for food, water and mates. This project will reflect the Spirit of Place by allowing the rebirth of native grasses, plants and shrubs along the corridor and the protection of all wildlife living in the surrounding areas. -
Public Benefit
The construction on this road started in order to reduce congestion, intersection-related crashes and single car accidents. The wildlife crossings will not only reduce wildlife mortality, but wildlife-vehicle collisions. Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions increases public safety and cuts down on cost associated with these accidents. Once construction is complete, the people of Montana will have less use for the popular bumper sticker “Pray for me, I drive the 93"
Targeted Habitats:
- Human Habitats
Targeted Species:
- American Black Bear Ursus americanus
- Bobcat Lynx rufus
- Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos horribilis
- Yuma Mountain Lion Puma concolor browni
Conservation Actions
| Action | Status | Start Year | End Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other - Species conservation and management: Construction of wildlife crossings | Completed | 2004 | 2009 |