With the project's first phase finished years ago, the Montana Department of Transportation is poised to begin the next phase of Russell Street, and Missoula County has lent its voice of support to the work.
Calling it a welcome investment, the Missoula City Council on Monday night approved a $24 million federal grant agreement for several downtown transportation projects now years in the making.
While there's little agreement yet on who should pay or how the city should fund costly sidewalk projects, most members of the Missoula City Council on Wednesday agreed that the current subsidy program deserves a closer look.
Wednesday's change order marks the third time the city has released additional funds for the work on the bridge, which had rusted and fallen into disrepair.
On Tuesday, commissioners signed a letter supporting the Montana Department of Transportation's entry into a 2024 federal award competition. The category: quality of life and community development.
Sen. Jon Tester this week announced $2.9 million for the project, which will replace the 57-year-old Lolo Street Bridge. The bridge straddles Rattlesnake Creek and has deteriorated in recent years.
While the population of Missoula County in 1975 was little more than 67,000 residents – the City of Missoula even less – it has since grown more than 80%, now housing more than 121,000 people.
The tunnel’s price tag was about $80 million and about $5.5 million went to the art installation. Though the corridor is almost done, its link to Concourse B is not ready yet, but will be on Oct. 22.
The Missoula Parking Commission this month will consider the recommendations of a recent study that would change the way parking is managed downtown and increase fees for both permit and hourly parking.