Ultimate Interstates:Corridor 290
Ultimate Interstate 290 is a conceptual interstate corridor located in western Montana. This conceptual interstate would build a new Interstate corridor from I-90 near Missoula to I-90 west of Bozeman thus providing better interregional connections for travelers to and from Canada and the Butte region.
Possible Routing
The route begins in the west from I-90 near Garrison MT and travel eastward following the US-12 corridor towards Helena. The route goes over MacDonald Pass and then descends into the Helena Valley. The route then would travel to the northern side of the metro area connecting with I-15 north of downtown. The route would then continue east and then curve south following US-287 to the south rejoining I-90 near Three Forks, MT.
Purpose and Need
A traffic study would need to be conducted to determine the need for the corridor. currently the routes seem to be well served by existing road networks. the freeway upgrade would provide a safer interstate quality route for interstate trucks travelling from Canada to points east and west on I-90. Currently there are some backtrack miles for truckers travelling through Butte to get to I-90 east or west from Helena, Great Falls and points north.
Plausibility
In all likelihood it could be decades before we even see a need for such a route. The eastern leg of the route would be easier to build as the route would traverse relatively flat terrain along the west side of the Missouri River. The route to the east over MacDonald pass and through the city of Helena would be more problematic as urban development would require imminent domain or large scale property acquisition, both of which are not popular. This may necessitate the connection point to I-15 be moved further north to avoid urbanized areas. At the very least corridor preservation should be considered in the area should the project need become an eventual reality.