Montana Department of Highways, Engineering Division records, 1955-1989

The Montana State Highway Commission was created in 1913 by the state Legislative Assembly. The original Commission was composed of three members. In 1917 new legislation altered the organization of the Commission by authorizing the appointment of twelve members according to geographic highway districts. Membership was changed again in 1921 to three members appointed by the Governor and in 1941 to five members, also appointed by the Governor. In 1971 the Commission was renamed the Montana Department of Highways, created by Chapter 7 of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1971 and implemented by executive order of the Governor on December 16, 1971. The Department of Highways took over all but the advisory functions of the State Highway Commission.

By 1972, the Department consisted of seven divisions: the Legal Division, Personnel Division, Centralized Services Division, Engineering Division, Motor Pool Division, Gross Vehicle Weight Division, and the Maintenance Division. Each division was headed by an administrator. The Centralized Services Division, Engineering Division, Motor Pool Division, Gross Vehicle Weight Division, and the Maintenance Division were furthered sub-divided into bureaus, headed by Chiefs. In 1991, the Department of Highways became the Department of Transportation.

The Department of Highways Engineering Division was historically responsible for project planning and oversight, including, but not limited to: reporting on project options, preparing feasibility reports, and completing reconnaissance studies. Currently, the Highways and Engineering Division prepares projects for bidding and coordinates highway construction through two primary functions: Preconstruction and Construction. Specific Preconstruction functions are administered by the Bridge, Consultant Design, Engineering Information Services, Environmental Services, Highways, Right-of-Way, and Traffic and Safety bureaus in addition to five District Construction Offices in Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Glendive, and Missoula for budget purposes. Specific Construction functions are administered by the Contract Plans, Construction Engineering Services, Construction Administration Services, and Materials.