The City of Missoula applied for a large federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant in February 2023. This grant would provide significant federal funding to Missoula to enhance safety and mobility in the Downtown area. Projects included in this grant compile multiple projects into the Downtown Safety–Access–Mobility (Downtown SAM) overarching project:

• Higgins Avenue from Brooks to Broadway
• Front and Main St. Two-way Conversion between Orange and Madison
• Riverfront Trail Improvements

Receiving this federal funding would help fulfill long-term safety and mobility improvements in Downtown Missoula that are included in the Downtown Master Plan. We want to share the current status of these projects and invite your feedback and input. Join Mayor Hess and City staff on Tuesday, May 9, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Wilma, 131 S Higgins Ave. We welcome you to learn more and engage with the City's current planning stage with the Downtown SAM projects. For in-depth information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) in the Documents section. We appreciate your time and interest in working with City staff to create creative solutions to safety and mobility in Downtown!

Click the orange Story Map below to learn more about the preferred concept design. The blue preliminary concept Story Map explores various designs that were considered in development of the preferred concept.

Project Background:

The City of Missoula and the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in collaboration with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), are studying Higgins Avenue between Brooks Street and Broadway Street to develop a corridor plan. The plan will evaluate design options to improve safety and access for people driving, biking, walking, and riding the bus. The goal is to create a modern transportation system that enhances the economic vitality of the corridor and serves as a gateway to downtown Missoula.

During the course of this study, the project team will engage with residents and business owners to understand their needs and desired outcomes for this corridor. In doing so, this study aims to design a street that meets the community’s growing needs and fulfills the intention of the Downtown Master Plan.

Through prior outreach and planning efforts, the Missoula community has advocated for increased access to all modes of travel. The Downtown Master Plan recommends transforming Higgins Avenue into a fully multi-modal street, which is essential for the economic, physical, and social health of the entire city.

Taking this into consideration, the Higgins Corridor Study will develop a design that:

• Considers the needs of all users, including people biking, walking, driving, and riding the bus, freight operators, and others.
• Improves safety for all users.
• Provides multi-modal access suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Increases access to businesses on the corridor and Downtown Missoula.

We believe the preferred concept accomplishes these goals. To learn more about this project, see the full plan set, and take the survey please visit our Virtual Open House.

The City of Missoula attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person participating in any service, program, or activity. For further information, call (406) 552-6670