Major Exposition Drive Overhaul Will Transform MetraPark Gateway Starting 2027

A sweeping infrastructure project targeting the Exposition Drive corridor near MetraPark will launch in 2027, bringing relief to one of Billings' most congested traffic zones.

The intersection serves as a critical gateway linking downtown Billings, the Heights, Interstate 90, and MetraPark, processing thousands of vehicles daily during major events.

State transportation officials are moving forward with a comprehensive redesign of the Main Street and First Avenue North intersection that has frustrated drivers for years with lengthy backups and safety concerns.

Three public information meetings are scheduled for 2025 and 2026 as part of the design and right-of-way phases, giving residents multiple opportunities to weigh in on the ambitious changes ahead.

The timing couldn't be better for the entertainment complex, which is undergoing its own transformation with a new outdoor PRCA rodeo scheduled for August 14-16, 2025 and the demolition of the old grandstand within the next three months.

Safety improvements will include raised medians on portions of First Avenue North and enhanced lighting throughout the corridor to reduce accident risks.

The project will eliminate a problematic unsignalized slip lane at the main intersection while adding a fourth northbound travel lane on Main Street to handle increased capacity demands.

Pedestrian and cyclist connectivity will see major upgrades with new sidewalks and shared-use paths connecting to the Jim Dutcher Trail, addressing long-standing accessibility gaps in the area.

Officials are also tackling drainage issues that have plagued the intersection during heavy rain events, implementing improved stormwater management systems as part of the overall design.

The westbound right turn lane will be converted to free-running movement, eliminating another source of traffic delays during peak periods and special events at the entertainment complex.

The project addresses transportation safety and congestion, stormwater management, nonmotorized connectivity, and pavement conditions that have deteriorated over years of heavy use.

Construction costs and specific funding sources remain under review as the project moves through the design development phase and right-of-way acquisition process.

The 2027 construction timeline aligns with other major transportation initiatives in the region, including the Billings Bypass project tentatively set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.

Community input will be crucial as planners finalize details for this gateway transformation that could reshape traffic patterns around Montana's premier entertainment destination for decades to come.