Riverfront Trail & Connectivity Improvements

What are we doing?

1. Widening Ron’s River Trail from ~Orange Street to ~Bess Reed Park
2. Enhancing the access to the Riverfront Trail at Ryman Street, Pattee Street, and Kiwanis Park
3. Constructing a new ADA-compliant ramp on the Northeast side of Beartracks Bridge down to the Riverfront Trail

When are we doing it?

1. Current stage: DESIGN
   • currently at a 60% level of detail.
   • expecting to reach 100% design in Summer 2026.
2. Construction: TBD
   • Start of construction: TBD, potentially Fall 2026

Why are we doing it?

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

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.

• The extra width will provide more space and comfort for trail users.
• The project will add updated trail lighting to improve visibility.

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

• The trail at the end of Pattee Street leading to the Riverfront Trail will be enhanced to ADA standards
• Implementation of the ADA-compliant Ramp at Beartracks Bridge will create an efficient route for all users from Beartracks Bridge to Caras Park and the Riverfront Trail
• Providing a dedicated trail from the Riverfront Trail to Front Street through Kiwanis Park will increase access to popular destinations on Front Street, such as the Missoula Public Library.

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

• By widening the riverfront trail, enhancing the connections to the trail, and building an ADA compliant ramp at Beartracks bridge, movement between all points of the downtown area and hip strip are greatly improved.

Click here to return to the full Downtown SAM project.