Riverfront Trail & Connectivity Improvements

The Riverfront Trail and Connectivity Improvements project element of the Downtown SAM project enhances safety, access, and mobility along one of Missoula’s most popular active transportation corridors. These improvements strengthen multimodal connections between Downtown and the Riverfront Trail system by creating a safer and more accessible experience for all users.

Trail Improvements

• Widening Ron’s River Trail: The trail will be expanded beyond AASHTO standards for urban commuter paths to better accommodate high volumes of pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This enhancement reduces user conflicts and improves overall trail experience and safety.

• Riverfront Promenade: The widened trail will serve as a riverfront promenade, enhancing the connection to Caras Park—Missoula’s most visited downtown park—and supporting access to many public events held annually.

• Beartracks Bridge Ramp: A new ADA-compliant ramp will connect the east side of Beartracks Bridge directly to East Caras Park and the Riverfront Trail. This long-needed upgrade offers safe, inclusive access for users of all abilities and strengthens a key link across the Clark Fork River.

Connectivity Improvements

• Impoved Access Points to Front Street: The project creates safe, accessible connections between the Riverfront Trail and Front Street at three key locations: Ryman Street, Pattee Street, and Kiwanis Park.

• Ryman Street Reconstruction: Ryman Street will be redesigned between Front Street and the Riverfront Trail to:

  • Provide universal pedestrian access

  • Add protected bike lanes between the central business district and the Riverfront Trail system

  • Improve vehicle flow and downtown parking access

  • Establish a formal gateway into Caras Park and the trail system

These connections improve multi-modal access between downtown businesses, parks, and the broader active transportation network.

Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.