Montana to Build First Diverging Diamond Interchange
The state plans to transform the Johnson Lane interchange in Lockwood to improve traffic flow starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Utilities
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The Montana Department of Transportation is set to construct the state's first diverging diamond interchange at the Johnson Lane intersection in Lockwood. This design aims to ease congestion and prevent traffic backups from spilling onto Interstate 90.
Why it matters
By moving traffic to the left side of the road through the interchange, the new design reduces vehicle crossing points to optimize flow. This infrastructure improvement seeks to mitigate persistent traffic issues affecting commuters near the Billings area.
The planned infrastructure upgrade will span 3 construction seasons to complete the transition. Utility relocation work is currently underway to prepare the site for future changes.
The players
Montana Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, design, and maintenance of Montana's transportation infrastructure and highway system.
DOWL
This professional engineering and consulting firm specializes in infrastructure development, land use, and civil engineering projects across the United States.
The details
The project design features a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along with accessibility upgrades and new traffic signals. To help residents understand the new traffic patterns, the agency and engineering firm DOWL released an online simulation showing how the layout functions.
Timeline
Utility relocation work is currently ongoing in the project area.
Major construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
Project completion is anticipated in summer 2029.
Market Landscape
This project follows the pattern set by the Federal Highway Administration's intersection safety programs to reduce crash frequency and improve throughput. It positions the state to adopt modern traffic management infrastructure common in higher-density corridors.
Commuters in the Lockwood and Billings area can expect utility line relocations to cause localized work zone adjustments in the short term. Once active, the interchange will fundamentally change daily driving patterns through the Johnson Lane intersection.
The takeaway
Diverging diamond interchanges shift traffic to the left to minimize conflict points and increase efficiency. Drivers should prepare for the future implementation of these patterns by reviewing simulations provided by transportation authorities.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure updates on the Montana Utilities section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KULR-8 Local News.
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