ST. IGNATIUS — Post Creek to Eagle Pass Trail on U.S. Highway 93 in St. Ignatius is known for being a hazardous area for travelers and wildlife.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) brought their plans to the public on Thursday, in hopes of making it a safer route for both.
"We’ve had some sad situations out here with people not figuring out the turn and it’s happened to me a couple of times," said longtime St. Ignatius resident Cynthia Preston.
Preston says she's had more than a few close calls on Highway 93, and specifically the turn on Eagle Pass Trail.
Watch the full story:
The MDT met with the public on Thursday to hear about their concerns.
"Local knowledge is always important," MDT Missoula and Kalispell District Construction Engineer John Schmidt said. "We hear from local biologists and really try to incorporate it into what’s best for the community and the travelers."
The Ninepipe and Eagle Pass Trail project will introduce several new crossing features.
"At Post Creek, we’re getting a large improvement to the structure that is there," Schmidt said. "It is going to accommodate wildlife, specifically designed to accommodate grizzly bear passage. The new bridge will be 500 feet long."
Watch related coverage: Road work improvements, delays ahead on Highway 93 North
There will also be a shared walking path for pedestrians on foot.
"Eagle Pass Trail will be doing a major upgrade and improve the intersection and how it operates," Schmidt added.
Preston says this improvement is important for residents who drive it daily.
"That’s been my main concern is getting something that indicates where you turn at night, [on Eagle Pass Trail]," Preston told MTN.
Full construction will begin in the summer of 2026 and the project is expected to be completed in 2029.
You can find further information about the project here.
