US 93 At the Crest of Ravalli Hill
View the Ninepipe/Ronan Improvement Project Supplemental EIS
Lay of the land
The project corridor extends over 56 miles from the community of Evaro through Polson. All but one-half mile of the corridor is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation. The project includes eight separate construction components, the Ninepipe/Ronan section currently under study, and the Polson section that remains to be evaluated.
Responsive Context Sensitive Design
US Highway 93 between Evaro and Polson corridor boasts some of the most scenic views and abundant wildlife areas anywhere in the United States. In recognition of this extraordinary stretch of roadway, the US-93 project has focused on preserving the Spirit of Place. Animal crossings both above and below the roadway preserve migration corridors for Grizzly Bears, Painted Turtles, Canada Lynx, and countless other species which inhabit the adjacent land. Wildlife fencing along the roadway will guide animals safely to the 40 plus crossings along this corridor.
In addition to preserving the Spirit of Place, the US-93 project engineers and designers have focused on significantly improving safety for motorists and reducing congestion, all the while minimizing the adverse impacts on the environment.
Project Update: Summer 2006
Designs Complete
Designs for the eight roadway construction projects along US-93 from Evaro to Polson are complete and much of the corridor is under construction. For more information and updates, please visit The People's Way website .
Evaluation and analysis for the ninth project—the Ninepipe/Ronan section—continues to move ahead through a second round of environmental review (see “Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement [SEIS]” section of this website for more information).
Groundbreaking Celebration Held Photos
The ceremonial groundbreaking and dedication of US-93 was held on October 14, 2004 next to the Jocko River Bridge in the town of Arlee, Montana. About 50 people gathered for the celebration on a clear autumn morning. There were community residents, members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and representatives from the project consultant team in attendance.
Dave Galt, Director of Montana Department of Transportation, opened the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed the guests. Louie Adams, Salish Cultural Leader, gave a blessing and the ceremonial groundbreaking followed. Remarks were given by the Honorable Fred Matt, Tribal Council Chairman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; the Honorable Karl Ohs, Lieutenant Governor; and Janice Weingart Brown from the Montana Division of the Federal Highway Administration. The formal celebration ended at 11:00 a.m. and was followed by a presentation of Jocko River Bridge renderings provided by the WGM Group.
Ninepipe/Ronan Improvement Project Supplemental EIS
The final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Ninepipe/Ronan segment of the US 93 project was circulated on March 28, 2008. The final SEIS addresses comments on the draft SEIS published in August 2006, and identifies the preferred alternative in both the rural and Ronan segments. To view the complete final SEIS document and appendices go here.
