Front/Main Two-Way Restoration
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 while maintaining parking configurations
When are we doing it?
- Current stage: DESIGN
- Currently at a 60% level of detail
- Expecting to reach 100% design in 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,
- 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.
By restoring Front and Main to two-way streets, vehicle speeds are expected to decrease
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
By restoring Front/Main to two-way flow, 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.
The restoration of Front/Main will increase the mobility of users of downtown by:
eliminating the circling most vehicle users experience
facilitating connection to Madison St via a new traffic signal and therefore the University area and access to I-90
dedicating a bike facility on Front Street, which helps cyclists move efficiently from east-to-west
Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.
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Save the Date! First Downtown SAM Open House
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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
