Home > Route Selection > US 2 > History > Montana

Route History for US 2 in Montana

• In 1926, the route US 2 now follows was not numbered. The route was improved (not paved) or dirt in 1926, except through Kalispell, where the road was paved. In 1926, there were a few places where the road followed a different path than US 2 follows today. Between Glasgow and Hinsdale, the road followed what is now MT 246, Tampico Road, and Vandalia Road. Between Saco and Malta, the road followed what is now Old US Highway 2 and Bowdoin Road. Between Dodson and Zurich, the road followed what is now County Route 396. The road passed through Gildford via 7th Street and Lothair via Main Street. Between Browning and East Glacier Park, the road followed what is now US 89 and MT 49. Between East Glacier Park and West Glacier, the road was not completed in 1926. At this time cars had to be transported by train around Glacier National Park.
• By 1930, the road still had not been paved. In Oswego, US 2 followed what is now D Street. Between Ethridge and Cutbank, US 2 followed Hartman Road and Sullivan Bridge Road. In July, 1930, US 2 was completed between East Glacier Park and West Glacier, allowing motorists to drive the full length of US 2 in Montana.
• By 1941, US 2 had been paved except for two small sections near Glacier National Park, and at the Idaho state line. Between Glasgow and Malta, US 2 was realigned to its current path. Between Dodson and Zurich, US 2 was also realigned to its current path, except through Harlem, where it followed what is now MT 396. US 2 was also rerouted to its current path between Ethridge and Cutbank by 1941. Between Hungry Horse and Kalispell, US 2 was rerouted so it followed what is now County Route 206 and MT 35.
• By 1950, US 2 around Glacier National Park had been paved.
• By 1956, the entire route had been paved, and between Browning and East Glacier Park, US 2 had been realigned to its current path.
• By 1978, US 2 had been rerouted to its current path around Harlem.
• By 1980, US 2 had been realigned to its current path throughout Montana.

Key to Abbreviations for Route Numbers:

• US - US Highway
• MT - Montana State Highway

Welcome Page | Route Selection | US 2 Main Page | History of US 2 | US 2 History in North Dakota | US 2 History in Idaho | Site Map