Stopping Montana's Terrible Head-on Crashes With a Simple Fix

Week after week, Montana's emergency responders have to deal with the tragedy of head-on collisions. While it can be difficult to engineer safety improvements on our two-lane highways, there is a simple fix that's making a difference on our interstate highways.

Starting this month, those improvements are coming to I-90 in the Missoula area, aiming to " catch" errant vehicles before they enter oncoming traffic.

It all involves the installation of high-tension "cable rail" in the freeway median.

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What is "cable rail" for?

Engineers have discovered that installing cable between opposing freeway lanes can significantly impact the number of "cross-over" crashes. The cables provide an easily installed and cost-effective way to "catch" cars traveling at today's higher speeds that aren't completed arrested just entering a median.

They're already been installed in other states, like Washington in recent years. The Montana Department of Transportation has already been installing sections of cables for the past couple of years.

“High-tension cable rail has proven to reduce the severity of crashes and fatalities by reducing crash impact and redirecting vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic,” Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said. “This is an important safety improvement project for Montana roadways and supports MDT’s Vision Zero goal.”

MDT graphic

Installation in Missoula starts this month

MDT and Poteet Construction will begin installation of high-tension cable along I-90 this month, with work scheduled for completion in 2026.

The 18-mile project extends from the Rock Creek exit to Bearmouth. That stretch of I-90 is frequently the scene of severe head-on accidents, especially when the roads are icy.

Overall, 50 miles of cable will be installed, with 150 miles in four phases along I-90 near Missoula, Butte, and Bozeman, as well as I-15 in Butte and Helena.