South Avenue Safe Streets

Missoula County and the City of Missoula received a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant earlier this year that will fund much-needed safety improvements on South Avenue between Reserve Street and Clements Road and on Clements Road between South and North avenues.

Missoula City and County are making progress on the South Avenue Safe Streets for All Project, a multi-year effort to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility for everyone traveling along South Avenue and Clements Road. The project will reconstruct the roadway from Reserve Street to Clements Road, as well as Clements Road from South Avenue to North Avenue.

Planned improvements include new sidewalks, bike lanes, and trail connections, along with added turn lanes, curb and gutter, upgraded crosswalks, and improved bus stop facilities. The project also incorporates enhanced lighting, stormwater drainage, landscaping, and utility relocations. To address safety concerns at one of the busiest intersections in the corridor, a mini-roundabout will be constructed at South Avenue and Clements Road.

These upgrades are designed to benefit all users—pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and transit riders—while creating better access to Fort Missoula Regional Park, Big Sky High School, the Community Medical Center, and nearby neighborhoods and businesses. By applying the federal Safe System Approach, the project aims to reduce serious crashes, improve ADA accessibility, and encourage more walking, biking, and transit use.

The $12.56 million project is funded through a federal Safe Streets for All grant, which covers 80 percent of the cost. The remaining 20 percent comes from City and County local matches. Engineering work is being led by WGM Group, with construction anticipated in 2027 and 2028 following right-of-way acquisition and final design.