Billings Bypass Advances: Johnson Lane Interchange in Lockwood to Become Montana's First Diverging Diamond, Construction Starting Spring 2027
Lockwood, Montana — The Montana Department of Transportation has awarded a contract for the next segment of the Billings Bypass project, which will transform the Johnson Lane Interchange in Lockwood into the state's first diverging diamond interchange, the AASHTO Journal reported on October 30.
Unlike a traditional interchange, a diverging diamond briefly shifts traffic to the left side of the roadway, reducing left-turn conflict points and improving efficiency. Montana DOT said minor work such as relocating underground utilities is already under way, with construction of the interchange expected to begin in spring 2027.
Because of the interchange's size and complexity, construction is expected to take three seasons; the first two will focus on reconstructing the Interstate 90 bridges over Johnson Lane to accommodate the wider roadway and completing the roadwork needed for the new interchange. Mike Taylor, administrator of Montana DOT's Billings District, outlined the arrangements in a statement.
The Billings Bypass is an important traffic-relief project for the area, and the rebuilt interchange is expected to ease congestion around I-90 access and leave room for larger road network upgrades in the future.
Source: GSM America
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：MontanaStateCapitol2008。来源：Wikimedia Commons（Parkerdr，CC BY-SA 3.0）
