Montana Highway 21 (Simms to augusta) Closure Information

From March 2 through late June, portions of Montana Highway 21 (the road that connects Augusta to Simms) will be closed, specifically from mile markers 0 to 1 as the Montana Department of Transportation works to replace structures at Elk Creek, Elk Creek Overflow and Hogan Slough. And while we realize that road closures are not ideal, the good news is that it's still easy to get to Augusta, Montana. 

As you can imagine, Highway 21 is a heavily utilized road in the spring and early summer, especially as we have amazing folks from the Sun River Valley, Great Falls and beyond come to visit us. We don't want that to stop (tourism and out-of-town visitors have a big impact on our community).

With that in mind, here's what you need to know about the temporary closures on Highway 21 (for additional context, these closures are on the far end of the Augusta side of 21). The bottom line: it's STILL easy to get to Augusta. 

The official Montana DOT detour encourages travelers to come through Bowman's Corner, utilizing Montana Highway 200 and U.S. Highway 287. This route is easy to drive, with posted detour signage along the way. 

With that said, if you're coming from the Great Falls area, the quickest detour route will take you to Augusta via Fairfield. At Sun River, take Montana Highway 89 north to Fairfield. From Fairfield, take Highway 408 to Augusta. The best news? This route takes only about 5-7 minutes longer to get to Augusta than on Highway 21. 

Now, there is another option, but it's one we want to be sure you are informed about as it's a county gravel road that has ever-changing conditions. From Simms, travel down Highway 21 and turn left onto the Bob Thomas Road (right after the Montana DOT equipment yard). This is an 8.5-mile-long gravel road that will take you around the construction area and to Augusta. If you do plan to drive this route - it is a public county road, so you are allowed - we advise you to take great care. It is gravel and is pretty rough in several spots. Plus, when it gets moisture (especially rain), it's not a well-advised route to take. If you are towing anything - boats, trailers, campers, etc. - don't go this way. Instead opt to come through Bowman's Corner or Fairfield. 

From our community and its local businesses to you, we can't wait to see you.