Major Traffic Signal Changes Coming to Downtown Missoula

Missoula’s downtown area is going to be going through some major changes over the next few years. There is a lot that is happening and being discussed. Currently, one change that should be completed soon is the new traffic and pedestrian signal at the corner of Orange Street and Cregg Lane. This signal will give pedestrians a safer way to cross Orange Street on the south side of the bridge. 

Safer Crossing Planned for Orange Street 

When this traffic signal project was announced, I was curious how it was going to affect the traffic heading north on Orange Street into the downtown area. We now know a bit more about some of the traffic signal changes that will be taking place downtown.  

One of the improvements being discussed is upgrading the existing traffic signals to ATSPM, which stands for Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures. Detectors on the traffic signals can use real-time data to monitor intersections for vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and more 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can measure how a signal is working and can spot troubled areas before someone complains.  

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For example, signals can detect if a vehicle runs a red light. They don't take pictures of vehicles to report to the police, but they can track how many vehicles are running red lights at certain intersections.   

Some pedestrian signals may be due for upgrades to comply with federal guidelines.  

I reached out to Megan McMeekin, a Senior Project Manager for Missoula’s Department of Public Works & Mobility, with some questions via email about the project.  

Timeline for Construction and Completion

According to McMeekin, construction for the whole project can start as early as the fall of 2026, with a target completion sometime in 2028. There is also a possibility that some signal control boxes may need to be replaced. If that happens, there may be new opportunities for local artwork to be displayed.

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I also asked if there was a chance that bicycles could trigger a traffic signal cycle. According to McMeekin, they are not planning on having bicycle traffic signals at this time, however, this project element is still being developed. 

This is just one part of the proposed changes taking place downtown over the next few years. The Safety, Access, Mobility (SAM) project in its entirety may not be completed until December 2031.