2.
City Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 04/20/2026
- TITLE
- Billings TIP Amendment #3
- PRESENTED BY:
- Lora Mattox
- Department:
- Planning & Community Services
Presentation:
Yes
Legal Review:
No
Project Number:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation of the 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 3. The City Council will be asked to forward a recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) on the TIP Amendment at its April 27th meeting. The PCC is scheduled to take final action on the TIP at its meeting on May 19, 2026.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TIP Amendment 3 updates the Billings MPO Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2024–2028, which prioritizes regional transportation projects and programs federal surface transportation funding. The amendment adds new projects, adjusts funding allocations, and revises project schedules to reflect updated costs, funding availability, and regional priorities.
Key updates include the addition of several MDT roadway projects (such as pavement preservation, bridge rehabilitation, striping, signal upgrades, and ADA sidewalk improvements) and two MPO Transportation Alternatives projects: Johnson Lane Sidewalks and a Safe Routes to School initiative. The amendment also updates funding sources and project timelines as needed.
The MPO planning process includes public hearings and opportunities for comment at Planning Board, City Council, County Commission, and Policy Coordinating Committee meetings. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) may recommend approval to maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding or decline approval, which could risk funding. The amendment does not directly affect City or County budgets, as federal funds support the projects and local projects are already included in other plans.
Key updates include the addition of several MDT roadway projects (such as pavement preservation, bridge rehabilitation, striping, signal upgrades, and ADA sidewalk improvements) and two MPO Transportation Alternatives projects: Johnson Lane Sidewalks and a Safe Routes to School initiative. The amendment also updates funding sources and project timelines as needed.
The MPO planning process includes public hearings and opportunities for comment at Planning Board, City Council, County Commission, and Policy Coordinating Committee meetings. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) may recommend approval to maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding or decline approval, which could risk funding. The amendment does not directly affect City or County budgets, as federal funds support the projects and local projects are already included in other plans.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The TIP is a strategic plan outlining prioritized transportation projects within the Billings Metropolitan Organization (MPO) for 2024-2028. It facilitates the scheduling of federal funds for surface transportation, highlights regional priorities, and presents a short-term transportation vision. Periodic amendments are necessary to update project lists, funding allocations, and schedules. This amendment incorporates new projects, financial adjustments, and timing revisions based on funding availability and regional priorities. Key Updates in Amendment 3 are marked in red and green in the TIP tables (attached).
1. Project Additions – These are new projects that identify project timing and funding sources but not necessarily project details. Listing projects in the TIP is the first step in project development.
The MPO’s Transportation Planning Process includes multiple opportunities for public input. The Planning Board will host a public hearing, with additional public comment opportunities at Billings City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Policy Coordinating Committee meetings.
1. Project Additions – These are new projects that identify project timing and funding sources but not necessarily project details. Listing projects in the TIP is the first step in project development.
- MDT Project - Laurel Road/Montana Avenue: Sidewalk improvements to meet ADA compliance.
- MDT Project - 1st Avenue South: Pavement preservation on 1st Avenue South.
- MDT Project - Junction Highway 312 to Mile Post 7.29: Striping and durable pavement markings.
- MDT Project – South Frontage Road: Mullowney Lane to Wise Lane: Roadway striping.
- MDT Project – Montana Avenue Bridges: Bridge rehabilitation.
- MDT Project – Shiloh Road: King Avenue to Rimrock Road: Pavement preservation.
- MDT Project – State Avenue: Pavement preservation.
- MDT Project – King Avenue Signals: Intersection upgrades/signals.
- MPO – Johnson Lane Sidewalks: Transportation Alternatives sidewalk project.
- MPO – Safe Routes to School: Transportation Alternatives project that will improve safe routes to schools.
- Funding sources and allocations updated to reflect revised cost estimates and grant awards.
- Adjustments made to federal, state, and local funding contributions.
- Schedule updates due to funding shifts, permitting processes, or construction timelines.
The MPO’s Transportation Planning Process includes multiple opportunities for public input. The Planning Board will host a public hearing, with additional public comment opportunities at Billings City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Policy Coordinating Committee meetings.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The TIP identifies available federal funding sources for transportation projects. However, many federally funded projects require a local match, which may have implications for City and County budgets. These local contributions are typically identified in other planning documents, such as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Non-federally funded projects are also accounted for in these existing planning documents.
STAKEHOLDERS
The MPO’s Transportation Planning Process includes multiple opportunities for public input. The Planning Board will host a public hearing, with additional public comment opportunities at Billings City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Policy Coordinating Committee meetings.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A. Presentation only.