Belgrade weighs phasing Cruiser intersection as state, airport reviews delay right-of-way

Camry Iulia, Belgrade’s director of public works, told the council the Cruiser Intersection Improvements project (Dry Creek to Jackrabbit) has reached 90% plans and is under Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) review, but right-of-way acquisition is delayed because the parcels where the roundabout will sit are owned by the airport authority and state trust lands and must undergo separate disposal and FAA-related reviews.

“We have submitted the 90% plans to MDT for their review and consideration,” Iulia said. She added that the airport authority and state trust lands process could add “about 6 to 12 months” to right-of-way negotiations, slowing the schedule for the full-extent roundabout.

To manage that risk, staff presented a phased alternative that would complete the Cruiser corridor and the Jackrabbit–Cruiser intersection first and defer the roundabout at Dry Creek to a following year. Iulia said the split could improve construction phasing and traffic management through the work zone.

The council also heard that the city recently approved a reimbursement agreement with the Bridger Heights developer to complete about 1,200 feet of Cruiser (curb, gutter and widening to Bollinger Lane). The developer indicated construction could begin within roughly a month and the city expects that segment to have a short, rapid construction window.

Iulia cautioned council members the city is still coordinating closely with MDT on sequencing and detour plans for several corridor projects, including the Belgrade Intersection Improvements Project at Main and Broadway, where a roundabout is the preferred alternative. She said full-closure detours could shorten construction by one to two months but would require careful detour routing and coordination to limit downtown impacts.

The city will hold a joint City–MDT open house on April 22 in the council chamber to display project limits, answer questions and review construction sequencing options with the public and consultants. Iulia said staff will continue to evaluate the phased approach if right-of-way timelines remain uncertain.