Bridger Pipeline Will Span Montana by 2027
A new 600-mile crude oil pipeline proposal faces ongoing environmental reviews across nine Montana counties.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Bridger Pipeline has proposed a 600-mile crude oil line stretching from Canada through Montana to Wyoming. The project remains in the permitting stage as companies conduct environmental reviews.
Why it matters
The company argues the infrastructure project will generate substantial tax revenue for the local counties it traverses. The pipeline is designed to include advanced leak-detection technology and remote valve monitoring.
The proposed infrastructure features a 36-inch diameter pipe buried 30 to 40 feet beneath the Missouri and Yellowstone river bottoms. It is expected to span nine Montana counties along its 600-mile route.
The players
Bridger Pipeline
This energy company specializes in the development and operation of midstream infrastructure for crude oil transport.
The details
The project plan includes crossing the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers by drilling deep beneath the riverbeds to secure the infrastructure. Bridger Pipeline is currently gathering environmental data to support its regulatory applications.
Timeline
Draft environmental impact statements are anticipated between December 2026 and January 2027.
A final environmental impact statement is expected in May or June of 2027.
Construction on the pipeline may begin in the summer or fall of 2027.
Market Landscape
This project represents a significant expansion of midstream energy infrastructure intended to connect international oil sources to domestic refining hubs. It follows a industry trend of balancing regional economic growth incentives against rigorous environmental compliance protocols.
Residents in the nine affected counties may see shifts in local tax revenue and land usage once the project reaches the construction phase. The pipeline's technical design, including deep river crossings, aims to minimize disruption to local water sources.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects often face long lead times due to the necessity of meeting multi-agency environmental standards. Readers can monitor state government project portals for public comment periods regarding the pipeline's environmental impact.
What happens next
The company expects a draft environmental impact statement by January 2027, followed by a final statement in June 2027, with potential construction starting in late 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about energy development in the region on our Montana Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northern Broadcasting System - Montana, Wyoming and the Western Dakotas.
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