Montana Road Closures

Road closures are a frequent part of life in Montana. Check road conditions before you drive, especially in the winter and early spring.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Montana is one of the northernmost states in the U.S., which means that when it comes to weather, it might as well be Canada. That means you can expect snow and extreme winter temperatures. Montana is also quite prone to flash flooding, an issue that is continuing to worsen. In some cases, road closures may be seasonal.
Almost the whole western half of Montana is part of the Rocky Mountain Region, one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. In these parts of the country, driving can get extremely difficult, especially during the winter.
We've compiled a guide about everything you might need to know about road closures in Big Sky Country.
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How to check for road closures in Montana

Road closures are a common part of life in any state for a variety of reasons. These reasons could be car accidents, road construction, or poor weather conditions, but it’s often difficult to anticipate when these sorts of complications might arise on Montana highways—without any warning, a road closure could set you back a day or even more. 
Stay ahead of road closures by going to the
Montana Department of Transportation travel info site
. You can always check this link for live details on Montana’s road closures, including reasons why roads have been closed, which lanes are open/closed, and estimates regarding when the road will open again. 
You can also call 511 for road closure information or check the
511 website
.
MORE: Montana electric vehicle incentives 

What to do if you witness an accident

Severe weather and mountain highway construction, as well as natural disasters such as floods, can result in road closures, but more importantly, they can result in accidents. Here are some things you can do if you see an accident while on the road:
  • Stay calm and focus on the road. 
  • If it’s safe, pull over and call 911 to report the incident and summon aid. 
  • Offer aid to any victims at the scene, to the best of your ability, and only if it’s safe to do so. 
  • If you’re driving and see that an accident has happened,
    move over for emergency vehicles
    and slow down to a reasonable speed. 
Drive responsibly near the scene of an accident or a construction site to help prevent further accidents—which could not only extend road closure times but also
raise your insurance rates
MORE: How to check if a car has been in an accident

Why you need the best (and cheapest) car insurance in Montana

Driving in Montana comes with unique risks due to road closures, flash flooding, and daunting mountain highways. If you’re planning a trip through the Rockies or Great Plains this winter—or just trying to get around the state safely to visit family nearby—it’s essential to equip yourself with the highest quality car insurance policy possible. 
And as much as driving in Montana can certainly be dangerous, it sure doesn’t have to be expensive.
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How much can you save on your Montana car insurance with Jerry’s help? Well, the stats speak for themselves: the average Jerry user saves $800+ per year on car insurance!
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FAQs

It’s absolutely possible to drive through Montana in the winter, but you’re going to want to make sure that you’re prepared for the possible challenges involved. Equip your vehicle with snow tires if possible, especially since some roads may require you to use them in the winter months. 
Always pay close attention to driving regulations on mountain highways, specifically I-15 and I-90, in the Western half of the state. But remember that flash flooding can happen anywhere near water, and Montana has a lot of water.
Yes! You can download the
MDT Travel Info app
available from the Montana Department of Transportation.
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