MDT to host meetings on U.S. 93 Polson-Somers corridor

The Montana Department of Transportation is hosting open houses in Polson Sept. 18 and Somers Sept. 19 to discuss a study of the U.S. 93 corridor between Polson and Somers. The project is a partnership between MDT, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Federal Highway Administration.

According to a press release, this planning study allows for coordination with the public, stakeholders, and environmental resource agencies before any future design or construction projects are initiated. The goal of the study is to identify short- and long-term improvements to address transportation safety, operations and geometric concerns based on the needs identified.

The study aims to help ensure an efficient transition from transportation planning to the development of a future project and environmental review, if any, based on the need and available funding.

MDT is hosting informational meetings to provide an overview of the study process and summarize initial findings. These in-person open houses will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the North Lake County Public Library in Polson and 4-6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Fire Hall in Somers.  

Attendees will have an opportunity to view exhibits and talk with study representatives; no presentation will be provided.

Additionally, MDT is hosting a virtual informational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26, from noon-1 p.m., which will include a summary of the same information provided at the in-person events. Registration is required at: mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/us93polsonsomers.

An interactive map is available online at storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8be812e68adc46eda930462334df77f3 and allows members of the public to provide comments about their transportation concerns and view comments made by others.

Comments on the Polson-Somers corridor study may also be submitted at the meetings, online mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx or by contacting Jackson Lang at 406-444-3246 or jlang@mt.gov.