City Commissioners approved an amendment to their agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation for the 9th Street Northwest and Watson Coulee Road reconstruction projects.
Commissioners originally approved the agreements in 2023 and the amendment will reflect updated construction costs estimates, indirect costs and current staff contact information.
Roundabout planned for Watson Coulee Road reconstruction; project open house is Oct. 29 [2025]
The city is working with the Montana Department of Transportation and Sanderson Stewart, a community development services firm, on the 9th Street Northwest and Watson Coulee Road reconstruction projects.
It’s a joint effort between the entities, nominated through the Transportation Improvement Program process.
In June 2022, city and MDT staff evaluated the intersection of Watson Coulee Road, Vaughn Road and 5th Avenue Northwest for alternatives to the current configuration, according to city staff.
City approves splitting road project to stay on schedule [2023]
The current intersection has undesirable geometrics and future anticipated traffic patterns. Staff discussed several concepts, including placing a cul-de-sac on 5th Avenue Northwest, realignment of the roads to create a T-intersection and a roundabout.
That resulted in a proposal for a roundabout at the intersection of Watson Coulee Road and Vaughn Road, delaying the project finish date by a year or two. Staff decided to separate the project into two so that the 9th Street Northwest reconstruction could remain on schedule.
In late 2023, commissioners voted to modify their original memorandum of agreement with MDT and create separate agreements for each project.
MDT will continue to develop and bid the projects for construction. The design will be in accordance with MDT’s Project Development Procedures and Design Manuals and, where applicable, current MDT and AASHTO urban design guidance. MDT will work with the city and the consultant on design specific details and in all public involvement activities, according to staff.
MDT seeking comment on proposed project on 9th Street Northwest [2021]
The 9th Street Northwest projects runs from the junction with Central Avenue West to the Northwest Bypass and will include standard city street widths, new curb and gutter, sidewalk, storm drain, ADA improvements, approach work and signal upgrades at the intersection with the Northwest Bypass.
The Watson Coulee projects runs from Vaughn Road to the Northwest Bypass and will include street reconstruction, street surfacing, curb and gutter, sidewalk, storm drain, ADA improvements, approach work, signal upgrades, and installation of a roundabout at Watson Coulee and Vaughn Road.
Updates considered to transportation plan to move two projects to recommended list [2019]
In October 2025, MDT hosted an open house on the reconstruction of Watson Coulee Road, from Vaughn Road to the Northwest Bypass and said construction was tentatively planned for 2028, pending the acquisition of right-of-way, completion of design and funding availability.
Federal and state funds are being used for the projects.
In 2023, the estimated costs were:
- $6.7 million for the 9th Street Northwest project with a 13.46 percent city match, or $897,782
- $6.65 million for the Watson Coulee project with a 13.46 percent city match, or $805,090
In the amendments approved during the Jan. 20 meeting, the estimated costs are now:
- $8.85 million for the 9th Street Northwest project
- $7.7 million for the Watson Coulee project
