Rouse Avenue – Main to Oak Construction Resumes March 29

Friday Mar. 26th, 2021


Warmer weather can only mean one thing for Montana: construction season is here and the Rouse Ave – Main to Oak project is about to start the final steps towards completion. Starting the week of March 29, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Missouri River Contractors will work on Rouse Avenue, primarily between Tamarack Street and Lamme Street, Monday through Friday.

“We are thankful for residents’ patience throughout this busy project,” Geno Liva, District Construction Engineer for the Montana Department of Transportation, said. “We completed the bulk of road improvements before winter last year and now need to put the finishing touches on the project. We look forward to completing these much-needed pedestrian improvements so that everyone can fully enjoy walking, biking, and driving on this road this summer.”

During the first week of construction, Rouse Avenue will be closed to thru travel from Tamarack Street to Peach Street on weekdays, and fully open on weekends. Temporary closures at the intersection of Rouse Avenue and Peach Street and on Rouse Avenue between Peach Street and Lamme Street are expected in later weeks as construction continues. Travelers are advised to detour via Oak Street, Seventh Avenue, and Main Street, and local traffic will continue to have access throughout construction.

Though work on the roadway itself is complete, crews still need to paint the final roadway lines, finish sidewalks and entrances into properties, place topsoil down on areas that were under construction, and plant new seed on topsoil to re-establish grass. Pending good weather and no contractor delays, this work is expected to wrap up in May.

The Rouse Ave – Main to Oak project is increasing capacity for nearly a mile of Rouse Avenue, from Main Street to Oak Street. In 2020, crews added a center turn lane and bike lanes throughout the project. They also improved all intersections within the project limits, adding in new ADA ramps, curb and gutter, sidewalks, crosswalks, and new signals at Oak Street, Tamarack Street, Peach Street, and Mendenhall Street. Underneath the road, crews installed a new storm drain system and new box culverts which allowed Bozeman Creek to flow under the road.

Once complete, pedestrians will be able to enjoy walking on paved sidewalks from Main Street in downtown Bozeman to the businesses within the Cannery District on Oak Street. Prior to this project, pedestrians did not have complete access and would resort to walking on the edges of resident yards or on the road itself next to moving vehicles.

MDT reminds everyone this construction season to practice the Three S’s of work zone safety: speed, space and stress. Slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Keep your cool, pay attention, and plan for delays.

Those interested in updates or information on the Rouse Avenue – Main to Oak project are advised to email takami@bigskypublicrelations.com. Text updates are also available by texting “ROUSE” to 41411. Information is also available on the project web page, https://bit.ly/rouseavenue will be continually updated throughout the course of the project.    

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.