Guest Editorial: JB Howick's Thoughts On I47 Proposal
Author: Victor Sample, MT43News
Article Published: 07/03/2026 Volume: 4 Edition: 52 JB Howick's Thoughts on I-47 Proposal
Victor Sample
MT43News
Senate Bill 4484, introduced by Senators Cynthia Lummis(R-WY) and John Cornyn (R-TX), has been generating a lot of discussion - at least in Montana.
The bill proposes to convert State Highway 287 (yes, the one we call Front Street in Townsend) to Interstate Highway I-47.
Councilman JB Howick has written a very interesting article regarding his thoughts on how a major 4-lane Highway (interstate or other) might be built and the effects it would have on Townsend.
To read Councilman Howick's article, visit our website at https://mt43news.com/mt43newsRouter/HowickI47Thoughts
Note: At this time, the bill has not passed, there is no funding, and neither of the sponsors of the bill will be returning to Congress next year. Senator Cronyn was defeated in the Texas primary, and Senator Lummis has announced she is not running for reelection.
While the I47 proposal will probably never happen, the heavy traffic from the Three Forks exit from I90 to Helena on US Highway 287 may prompt action to create a 4-lane highway all the way, including through or around Townsend.
Article Images Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize imagePhotoCredit: Courtesy of Wiki Commons Image 1 Caption: Proposed I47 Route
Courtesy of Wiki Commons
