The highly anticipated Inner Belt Loop connecting the Billings Heights and the West End was finally opened on Thursday afternoon.
The five-mile loop along Skyway Drive now offers a safe route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
City of Billings graphic
A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration took place on Skyway, west of Alkali Creek Road.
Following the ribbon cutting, many attendees drove on the new road towards Highway 3 and Zimmerman Trail Road.
Subsequently, the other direction was opened, with a group of cyclists enjoying the new route and riding back to the Heights.
Mayor Bill Cole expressed his excitement about the connectivity of the Inner Belt Loop with the Skyline Trail and Alkali Creek Road, creating a 13-mile bike and pedestrian loop that is expected to be a popular asset in the community.
Some of the first cyclists on the trail were already praising the connection it provides to areas like the Rims and Aronson Drive, away from traffic.
City engineer Mac Fogelsong highlighted the safety and efficiency benefits of the Inner Belt Loop, mentioning its design process that began in 2009.
A $5.3 million BUILD grant helped fund the project, with city council member Jennifer Owen envisioning future developments and amenities along the loop.
Former city councilman Rep. Larry Brewster, who started working on the project 35 years ago, marveled at the completed project, emphasizing its beauty and success.
