Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of this project is to provide necessary roadway maintenance while also improving access and connectivity in downtown Billings. Restoring the roads to their original two-way

configuration will help support the vitality of downtown Billings by easing navigation, ultimately improving business exposure and making it more inviting for visitors. The project

also presented an opportunity to improve bicycle connectivity and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access.

• 2nd Avenue North (between Division Street and North 22nd Street)
• 3rd Avenue North (between Division Street and North 22nd Street)
• North 25th Street (between 6th Avenue North and Montana Avenue)
• North 26th Street (between 6th Avenue North and Montana Avenue)
• North 28th Street (between 6th Avenue North and Montana Avenue)
• North 31st Street (between 6th Avenue North and Montana Avenue)
• North 32nd Street (between 6th Avenue North and Montana Avenue)
• North 33rd Street (between Division Street and Montana Avenue)
• North 34th Street (between Division Street and Montana Avenue)

Click here to see the interactive project map. 

Parking options will include a combination of front-in angle and parallel parking. Some changes to existing, on-street parking are required to accommodate sight lines for two-way traffic and other project improvements such as bicycle infrastructure, sidewalks, and travel lane modifications. 

Based on feedback from business owners and the public, back-in angle parking on North 29th and North 30th Streets will be restored to front-in angle or parallel parking.  

One of the goals of this project is to slow traffic through the downtown core to improve walkability and multi-modal connectivity, increase visibility for businesses, and make downtown Billings easier to navigate. 

Montana Avenue, 1st Avenue North, 4th Avenue North, and 6th Avenue North will remain one-way couplets for the time being, offering a direct route through downtown.  

Yes. This project includes new buffered bike lanes on portions of 2nd Avenue North and North 25th Street and two-way cycle tracks on 3rd Avenue North and North 31st Street. Shared lane

markings (sharrows) will be refreshed on North 30th Street. 

• Electrical and ADA work is in progress and will continue through the spring. This includes installing underground electrical wiring needed for two-way traffic signals and ADA push-button devices. Crews are also reconstructing ADA curb ramps at select intersections.
• Work to extend the life of the roadways is planned for this summer. This involves applying a protective coating (chip seal) to the roadways. During this process, pavement markings identifying existing travel and parking lanes will be covered. When crews return to stripe the roadway in late summer/early fall, select roads will be striped in a two-way configuration.
• Final roadway striping, electrical work, and the activation of two-way traffic are planned for September. Project completion is anticipated in October 2025.
• The construction schedule may change as the project evolves. To sign up for construction updates, email billings2way@dowl.com or call 406-869-6349. You can also sign up for text alerts by texting 2WAY to 833-648-0322.

Chip seal is a cost-effective method used to protect and extend the life of a road. It involves applying a thin layer of asphalt to the road surface, followed by a layer of gravel or crushed stone ("chips"). The gravel is then pressed into the asphalt to help seal cracks, prevent water from seeping into the roadway, and improve the driving surface and traction for vehicles.

Unfortunately, work cannot be done at night because daytime temperatures are needed for the concrete and chip seal to cure properly.

Traffic control will be in place throughout construction. This may include temporary flashing traffic signals, single-lane traffic, and minor disruptions to street parking.

When crews begin chip sealing this summer, there will be brief road closures (1-2 days) on

sections of roadway where chip seal is happening. Overall, chip seal work is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete. The project team is working closely with downtown businesses to keep them informed as this work approaches. Business owners are encouraged to contact the project team at billings2way@dowl.com or 406-869-6349 with any questions or coordination needs.

The City of Billings and downtown TIF (tax increment financing) funds are funding this project. TIF is used by municipalities and local governments to fund public infrastructure and community improvements in a specific geographic area. Property owners within a TIF district pay at the same rate as those outside the district but as property values increase over time, the increase in taxes for those who own property inside a TIF district is captured and put back into the TIF district to fund future developments. More information about the Downtown TIF district can be found here. 

Feel free to email billings2way@dowl.com or call 406-869-6349 with any questions. For general project information, to view the interactive project map, and to sign up for construction updates, visit billings2way.com.