Gallatin County Emergency Management has issued traffic guidance ahead of the expected arrival of what it calls a "Freedom Convoy" in Belgrade on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
Coming in from Washington, the U.S. Freedom Convoy will be making its way through Montana, stopping at the ‘Flying J’ in Belgrade on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The convoy includes semi-trucks, passenger cars and trucks, and motorcycles, and will be making its way across the country this week on Interstate 90 on the way to Washington D.C.
Belgrade Police Chief Dustin Lensing got the confirmation late last week that the convoy will be stopping in Belgrade at around 4pm.
Traffic impacts are anticipated on Jackrabbit Lane and Amsterdam Road in Belgrade on Wednesday afternoon. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and avoid the area starting around 4 PM to decrease traffic impacts.
Convoy vehicles driving eastbound on I-90 are expected to exit into Belgrade at exit 298 at Amsterdam Road and head to the Flying J at the intersection of Amsterdam Road and Jackrabbit Lane. Following their stop, they will be directed to return to I-90 eastbound at Jackrabbit Lane.
Jackrabbit Lane at the interchange will be closed to through traffic as convoy vehicles move through the area.
Drivers heading both north and south on Jackrabbit Lane near the I-90 interchange can expect significant delays. There may be times when traffic is also impassable on Amsterdam Road between the off ramp and Flying J.
While the exact timeframe of how long traffic will be impacted is unknown, we anticipate the heaviest delays will be between 4 and 6 PM.
Law enforcement will be in the area directing traffic to help alleviate impacts to drivers as best as possible. Signs will also be placed to help drivers find alternate routes.
We encourage drivers to utilize the following roads to avoid the interchange:
- I-90 exit 299 at Airway Boulevard
- Valley Center Road
- Thorpe Road
- Frontage Road
For public wanting to observe the convoy, law enforcement will have recommended areas that will help ensure public safety and minimize traffic impacts. We will provide that information soon.
“They’re coming regardless, so we have to plan for that,” Lensing said, “We’ve already begun to coordinate with Missoula -since they are the first stop in the state, so they can forward some information to us.”
The convoy should be making its way to town at 4 pm, stopping at the Flying J Truck Stop, Lensing said. People wishing to travel on Jackrabbit Lane, crossing over the interstate, may be met with road closures, delays, or a traffic stop.
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