Front/Main Two-Way Restoration

Share Front/Main Two-Way Restoration on Facebook Share Front/Main Two-Way Restoration on X (formerly Twitter) Share Front/Main Two-Way Restoration on Linkedin Email Front/Main Two-Way Restoration link

What are we doing?

  • Restoring Front Street and Main Street to two-way configuration along with the following improvements:
    • Intersection improvements such as bulb-outs and other traffic calming features
    • Installation of a new traffic signal at Front Street and Madison Street
    • Reconfiguration of the Front Street/Main St/Orange Street intersection
  • Conversion of Front Street to two-way travel with dedicated on street bike facilities
  • Conversion of Main Street to two-way travel

When are we doing it?

  • Current stage: DESIGN
    • Currently at a 90% level of detail
    • Expecting to reach 100% design in late Summer 2026
  • Next Stage: CONSTRUCTION
    • Start of construction: TBD, potentially Spring 2027

Why are we doing it?

Restoring Front Street and Main Street to two-way traffic will:

  • Create a more efficient flow of traffic because vehicles will be able to access their final destination such as parking garages without having to circle the block.
  • Create safer facilities for users by adding traffic calming features.
  • Make traveling downtown more predictable for residents and visitors.
  • It will be better connect to adjacent streets because traffic patterns will be more consistent.

How will this change/enhance Downtown Missoula?

SAFETY: Reducing the risk of crashes and increasing the level of comfort for all users traveling to and within downtown.

  • Vehicle speeds are expected to decrease with two-way travel.
  • The potential for wrong way travel is removed.
  • The current double threat to pedestrians of two lanes of one-way traffic will be removed.
  • The curb extensions at intersections will make pedestrians more visible and will decrease the crossing distance.
  • Other traffic calming measures are being considered through these streets.
  • The new traffic light at Madison and Front will provide an additional crossing across Madison rather than the Madison/Broadway Intersection.

ACCESS: The ease with which people can reach desired goods, services, activities, and destinations using a variety of transportation modes

  • The accessibility to businesses and other destinations greatly improves.
  • Adding east-west bike connectivity creates improved accessibility through alternative forms of transportation.
  • The new traffic signal at Front/Madison will allow for better accessibility to/from adjacent corridors/interstate accessibility.
  • Improved access to the parking garages and lots.

MOBILITY: The ease, efficiency, and capability of moving people between destinations.

  • Two-way travel will eliminate out-of-direction travel most vehicle users experience.
  • The new traffic light at Front St/Madison St will provide a new connection to the University area and easier access to I-90.
  • The dedicated bike facility on Front Street will help cyclists move efficiently from east-to-west.

Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.

What are we doing?

  • Restoring Front Street and Main Street to two-way configuration along with the following improvements:
    • Intersection improvements such as bulb-outs and other traffic calming features
    • Installation of a new traffic signal at Front Street and Madison Street
    • Reconfiguration of the Front Street/Main St/Orange Street intersection
  • Conversion of Front Street to two-way travel with dedicated on street bike facilities
  • Conversion of Main Street to two-way travel

When are we doing it?

  • Current stage: DESIGN
    • Currently at a 90% level of detail
    • Expecting to reach 100% design in late Summer 2026
  • Next Stage: CONSTRUCTION
    • Start of construction: TBD, potentially Spring 2027

Why are we doing it?

Restoring Front Street and Main Street to two-way traffic will:

  • Create a more efficient flow of traffic because vehicles will be able to access their final destination such as parking garages without having to circle the block.
  • Create safer facilities for users by adding traffic calming features.
  • Make traveling downtown more predictable for residents and visitors.
  • It will be better connect to adjacent streets because traffic patterns will be more consistent.

How will this change/enhance Downtown Missoula?

SAFETY: Reducing the risk of crashes and increasing the level of comfort for all users traveling to and within downtown.

  • Vehicle speeds are expected to decrease with two-way travel.
  • The potential for wrong way travel is removed.
  • The current double threat to pedestrians of two lanes of one-way traffic will be removed.
  • The curb extensions at intersections will make pedestrians more visible and will decrease the crossing distance.
  • Other traffic calming measures are being considered through these streets.
  • The new traffic light at Madison and Front will provide an additional crossing across Madison rather than the Madison/Broadway Intersection.

ACCESS: The ease with which people can reach desired goods, services, activities, and destinations using a variety of transportation modes

  • The accessibility to businesses and other destinations greatly improves.
  • Adding east-west bike connectivity creates improved accessibility through alternative forms of transportation.
  • The new traffic signal at Front/Madison will allow for better accessibility to/from adjacent corridors/interstate accessibility.
  • Improved access to the parking garages and lots.

MOBILITY: The ease, efficiency, and capability of moving people between destinations.

  • Two-way travel will eliminate out-of-direction travel most vehicle users experience.
  • The new traffic light at Front St/Madison St will provide a new connection to the University area and easier access to I-90.
  • The dedicated bike facility on Front Street will help cyclists move efficiently from east-to-west.

Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.

  • Myth Busters: Are One-Way Streets Better Than Two-Way Streets?

    Share Myth Busters: Are One-Way Streets Better Than Two-Way Streets? on Facebook Share Myth Busters: Are One-Way Streets Better Than Two-Way Streets? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Myth Busters: Are One-Way Streets Better Than Two-Way Streets? on Linkedin Email Myth Busters: Are One-Way Streets Better Than Two-Way Streets? link

    Our project team is often asked street conversion questions. One of our design partners, Kittelson & Associates, has published an article on the benefits of two-way streets. Read it here.

    Our project team is often asked street conversion questions. One of our design partners, Kittelson & Associates, has published an article on the benefits of two-way streets. Read it here.

  • Downtown SAM Open House: April 28

    Share Downtown SAM Open House: April 28 on Facebook Share Downtown SAM Open House: April 28 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Downtown SAM Open House: April 28 on Linkedin Email Downtown SAM Open House: April 28 link
    supporting image

    Join us on April 28 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Building to learn about design on the Downtown Safety, Access, and Mobility (SAM) project. A presentation will be given at 5:15 p.m. but you are welcome to stop by anytime.

    Join us on April 28 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Building to learn about design on the Downtown Safety, Access, and Mobility (SAM) project. A presentation will be given at 5:15 p.m. but you are welcome to stop by anytime.

  • Save the Date! First Downtown SAM Open House

    Share Save the Date! First Downtown SAM Open House on Facebook Share Save the Date! First Downtown SAM Open House on X (formerly Twitter) Share Save the Date! First Downtown SAM Open House on Linkedin Email Save the Date! First Downtown SAM Open House link
    supporting image

    Save the date--October 8, 2025 will be the first Downtown SAM Open House.

    • Drop in any time between 4:30-7:00pm.
    • Missoula Public Library
    • Cooper Room B - Level 4

    Save the date--October 8, 2025 will be the first Downtown SAM Open House.

    • Drop in any time between 4:30-7:00pm.
    • Missoula Public Library
    • Cooper Room B - Level 4
Page last updated: 13 Jul 2026, 01:11 PM