BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) awarded Riverside Contracting Inc. the contract to construct the next segment of the Billings Bypass project, which will transform the Johnson Lane Interchange in Lockwood into Montana's first diverging diamond interchange (DDI). This modern interchange design has been proven to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow and capacity.
“We're excited to bring this new interchange to Montana because of its many operational and safety benefits,” said Mike Taylor, MDT Billings District Administrator. “The Johnson Lane DDI will help improve current traffic operations while accommodating future demand and supporting continued growth in the greater Billings area.”
Unlike a traditional interchange, DDIs briefly shift traffic to the left side of the roadway, allowing drivers to access interstate ramps more efficiently and with fewer conflict points. Although the traffic pattern may be unfamiliar at first, directional signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings will help guide drivers through the interchange.
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Minor construction activities, such as the relocation of select underground utilities, are already underway, with construction of the DDI anticipated to begin in spring 2027.
Due to the size and complexity of the Johnson Lane Interchange improvements, construction is expected to be completed over three seasons. The first two seasons will focus on reconstructing the Interstate 90 (I-90) bridges over Johnson Lane to accommodate the additional roadway width required for the DDI, and completing the roadway improvements needed to construct the new interchange. Improvements south of I-90 are anticipated to be completed first, followed by work north of the interstate during the second season. The third season will include final pavement treatments throughout the project.
To help travelers understand how the new interchange will work, MDT and its partners developed a video simulation [youtube.com] of the Johnson Lane DDI, which is now available on the project website.
Planned improvements at Johnson Lane interchange
In addition to reconfiguring the Johnson Lane Interchange into a DDI, this segment of the Billings Bypass project includes the following planned improvements:
- Sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades along adjacent streets to tie into the DDI sidewalk facilities
- Roadway improvements on North Frontage Road, Old Hardin Road, Cole Street, and Becraft Lane
- New traffic signals and upgrades to existing signals throughout the project area, including new signals at the Cole Street/Old Hardin Road and Johnson Lane/North Frontage Road intersections
- A shared-use path through the DDI for pedestrians and bicyclists
“Projects of this size require changes to how people travel through the corridor both during construction and once the DDI is in place,” said Taylor. “We are committed to providing timely, transparent updates throughout construction and encourage the public to sign up for email and text notifications and visit the project website often. The more informed travelers are, the easier it will be to navigate the interchange during and after construction.”
