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CASE STUDY · Intelligent Transportation // MT-200 · MT-201

Montana Highway ITS Modernization

A smart transportation initiative designed to improve safety, traffic visibility, and roadway efficiency through advanced Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The project integrates real-time monitoring, traveler information, and connected roadway technologies to support safer and more reliable mobility across key Montana highway corridors.

Project DossierIntelligent Transportation
Client
Montana Department of Transportation (partner agency)
Corridors
MT-200 · MT-201
Period
2024 – 2027
Role
Stakeholder convener, technical working group, public outreach
Partners
Gallatin Signal Works (technology partner)
ITS installation along rural Montana highway corridor
01Challenge

Operating Constraints & Field Realities

Rural highway corridors MT-200 and MT-201 experience severe weather variations, high freight traffic, and sparse cellular coverage. Winter storms bring sudden black ice and blinding ground blizzards that quickly isolate rural travelers.

Prior to the initiative, roadway weather data was updated only through periodic maintenance vehicle passes. First responders and freight dispatchers frequently lacked real-time visibility into pass closures and hazardous conditions.

02Solution

Engineered Countermeasures & Delivery

The association convened an inter-agency working group connecting MDT engineers with roadside sensing specialists to deploy automated Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS). Solar-powered camera poles and atmospheric sensors were installed at high-risk mileposts.

Data feeds were linked directly into state traveler information portals and roadside dynamic message signs, giving drivers advance notice of changing pavement friction and reduced speed limits.

03Results

Corridor Performance Benchmarks

Camera coverage
118 miPilot corridor coverage
RWIS stations
14Solar sensor stations
Alert latency
under 5 minSensor to driver warning
“Deploying connected roadside sensors on MT-200 gave our maintenance units instant eyes on the pass during freeze-thaw cycles, cutting emergency dispatch verification times dramatically.”
Karl Jensen
Karl Jensen
ITS Committee Lead, Big Sky Road Association
Documentation

Field Photography & Progress

Highway ITS gantry over pass
Overhead sensor gantry on MT-200
Technician calibrating sensor
Field calibration of RWIS atmospheric unit
Corridor Archive

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Have a corridor challenge to address?

Learn how the association convenes technical working groups to evaluate complex highway safety and capacity questions.

2038 Stadium Dr, Bozeman, MT 59715

503-421-8333