City of Helena Receives $4.5M in Transportation Grants
Published on January 13, 2025
HELENA, Mont. – On Friday, January 10, the City of Helena was awarded two separate planning grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation that could have significant impact on transportation in the Helena area.
RAISE Grant
The City received $1.3 million through the RAISE grant program to plan and design a road that would connect the South Helena I-15 interchange to US Highway 12. The planning project will include studying lane configurations, traffic control needs, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit and freight accommodations, public infrastructure extensions, and sustainable and innovative design features.
“The City is thrilled to be awarded the RAISE grant for the East Side Arterial Connector Planning Project,” says Helena Mayor, Wilmot Collins. “This project would not only have a significant impact on traffic and connectivity, but it would also greatly expand the ability for housing development in this part of the valley. This is just the first step in the process, but we are excited about the opportunity this grant presents.”
Railroad Crossing Elimination Program Grant
Helena was also awarded a $3.2 million grant, in partnership with BNSF Railway and the Montana Department of Transportation, that would study feasibility of creating a grade separation on Montana Avenue at the railroad tracks. The grant was awarded through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. The planning effort will include design for a round-about at the intersection of Montana Avenue, Helena Avenue, and E Lyndale Avenue.
“The City is incredibly thankful to our partners at BNSF Railway and Montana Department of Transportation for collaborating on this grant application,” adds Mayor Collins. “The railroad crossing on Montana Avenue has been a challenge for residents for a long time. This planning effort will play a big role in improving our transportation network in the heart of our City.”