This Popular Missoula Trail Will be Less Scary Soon

It's become one of the most popular trail routes in the City of Missoula, especially for residents living and working on the south side of the city.

But it's also a little scary and can be hard to use, especially during the dark months of winter.

That all starts to change this week when crews begin adding lighting to the Bitterroot Trail.

Get our free mobile app

The Bitterroot Trail route

Last spring, city officials told me they were putting together a plan to add lighting along the 2.6 miles of the Bitterroot Trail, which goes through the urban core along the old MRL "Bitterroot Spur" line, running from roughly Russell Street to the steel bridge that crosses South Reserve Street.

The trail has become quite popular since the bridge was installed, with bikes and pedestrians using it as a connecting route along the west side of the Midtown area and the neighborhoods west of Southgate Mall. It's also the northern end of the 50-mile trail that's popular with bike travelers connecting between Missoula and Hamilton.

Let there be light!

While the route is busy, it's also dark, only getting illumination from the adjacent neighborhoods and street lights.

However, the new lighting project from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency and Missoula Parks & Recreation, with the two Urban Renewal Districts along the route sharing the $1.6 million dollar cost.

“MRA’s investment in this trail lighting project will enhance public safety for all users and is expected to spur redevelopment, particularly housing projects near the trail,” -Annette Marchesseault, senior project manager for MRA.

Installation starts this week

The 178 high-efficiency LED trail lights will comply with the city's rules to cut glare and preserve the viewing of the night skies.

Work starts Monday where the Bitterroot Trail and Milwaukee Trail merge, with contractors working their way south. Installation will last until late summer.