Proposed Improvements On BIA Route 1
Poll Open For New Montana Sign Design Proposed Improvements On BIA Route 1
The Montana Department of Commerce is polling people on new designs for the state’s “Welcome to Montana” highway signs that greet travelers at the border.
This spring, Gov. Greg Gianforte and Commerce unveiled an update of the state’s branding — the first update in more than a decade — with a new logo, color scheme and imagery.
Now, the department is looking to revamp the state’s highway signs to reflect the new look.
“There’s no better feeling than crossing state lines back home to Montana,” Gianforte said in a press release. “Our highway signs give our families, friends and visitors the warm welcome they deserve. I am excited to see what Montanans choose.”
Three designs have been selected for Montanans to vote on, each incorporating aspects of the new brand and elements of the state.
Mitch Staley, chief marketing officer for the state, describes the designs as a “1990’s style license plate line, the middle design that is very similar to the welcome signs previously displayed prior to 2014 and a new design that features the mountains and badlands landscapes that make our entire state a one of one.”
“Commerce has opted to have one design for all state entrances for brand recognition and strength. We’re confident these signs will be as iconic as signs of the past,” Staley told the Daily Montanan.
Commerce’s website for voting on the sign designs, visitmt.com/welcome-sign is live now and voting is open until Dec. 31.
Current highway welcome signs were installed in 2014, according to the department. The Montana Department of Transportation will work to install the new welcome signs next spring once weather and access allows, as many of the state’s border crossings are on mountain passes.
Currently, the state’s welcome sign designs include various animals, including black bears, pronghorn and elk, and vivid landscapes including Glacier National Park, riverscapes and prairie lands.
The Montana Department of Transportation is announcing and inviting the public to comment on a proposal that will rebuild a section of BIA Route 1, west of Fort Kipp. The project begins 1.5 miles west of Fort Kipp and extends west for about one mile.
Proposed work includes reconstructing and widening the road, applying new plant mix, and finishing with a seal and cover (chip seal), upgraded pavement markings and signage. The purpose of the project is to reduce the severity and occurrence of curve related crashes in this area.
Construction is tentatively planned for 2030 depending on completion of design and availability of funds. Rightof- way acquisition or temporary construction permits will likely be required for this project. Relocation of utilities may also be necessary. MDT staff will contact affected landowners prior to survey work. Landowners may be contacted again prior to construction regarding temporary permits.
Partnering with the community is an important part of properly planning for future projects. MDT welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at mdt.mt.gov/contact/commentform.aspx or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Glendive office, PO Box 890, Glendive, MT 59330-0890. Please note that comments are for project UPN 10511000.
The public is encouraged to contact Glendive District Project Development Engineer Jim Frank at 406345-8214 or project design engineer Sabastian Lucio at 406-345-8243 with questions or comments about the project.
For more information about active MDT projects around the state, visit the MDT website and MDT’s five-year Tentative Construction Plan.
