Bill > HJ49

This bill requests the Legislative Council to assign an interim committee or staff to conduct a comprehensive study of U.S. Highway 212 east of Billings, Montana, focusing on its dangerous conditions and high fatality rate. The study aims to investigate the roadway's challenges, including poor road surfaces, limited winter maintenance, lack of cellular service, and minimal emergency options. The resolution calls for examining various datasets from the Montana Department of Transportation, local governments, and individuals familiar with the highway, with the goal of developing solutions to reduce fatalities and improve safety. The study will also explore successful strategies used to mitigate dangerous conditions on rural roadways in Montana and other states. The research must be completed by September 15, 2026, with findings to be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate legislative committee, and ultimately reported to the 70th Legislature. This comprehensive approach reflects concerns about U.S. Highway 212's status as the state's most fatal rural roadway, particularly in Bighorn County, which has experienced a disproportionately high number of roadway fatalities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4486