AASHTO Journal - New Design for Montana’s Highway Welcome Signs

At an event jointly hosted by the Montana Department of Commerce and Montana Department of Transportation, Governor Greg Gianforte (R) officially unveiled a new design for Montana’s highway welcome signs.

[Above photo by the Montana DOT]

“It has been over a decade since Montana had a new welcome sign at our states borders,” Gov. Gianforte said in a statement. “The Treasure State is already the most welcoming, business friendly state in the country and now our brand will be one of the first impressions they get when they enter the state.”

In May 2025, the three final designs for the new highway signs were unveiled with state residents given until December 31, 2025, to vote on for their favorite. The governor noted over 11,000 Montanans submitted a vote to select the new sign design.

The signs will be installed by the Montana DOT at the state’s entry points starting in late April as weather and access to sign locations permit. The current highway signs were last updated and installed over a decade ago in 2014.

“I’m excited to have the new ‘Welcome to Montana’ sign displayed at entry points across our great state,” noted Chris Dorrington, director of the Montana DOT.

“The design represents all of Montana and will be a refreshing sight for Montanans returning home. Chosen by citizens, it reflects the character of our entire state,” he added. “I look forward to seeing the team begin installation.”