Bridger Pipeline Will Span 600 Miles Through Montana
The proposed 36-inch crude oil line will traverse nine counties as it moves toward environmental review.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Bridger Pipeline has proposed a nearly 600-mile crude oil pipeline stretching from Canada, through Montana, to Wyoming. The project, which involves crossings of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, is currently navigating the permitting phase.
Why it matters
The development holds significant stakes for local Montana counties, as the project promises substantial tax revenue while requiring extensive state and federal environmental compliance. Local operators should monitor the review process for potential impacts on land use and regional infrastructure development.
The proposed 36-inch diameter pipeline will span 600 miles across nine Montana counties, with river crossings drilled 30 to 40 feet beneath the Missouri and Yellowstone beds. These figures remain subject to change pending final federal and state environmental reviews.
The players
Bridger Pipeline
An energy infrastructure company focused on the transport of crude oil through long-haul pipeline networks.
The details
The project design includes specialized engineering for river crossings, requiring crews to drill 30 to 40 feet below the river bottom to ensure the pipe is shielded from surface activity. For operational safety, the company plans to utilize the Flowstate leak-detection system alongside remotely operated valves. Compliance efforts are ongoing, with field crews actively gathering environmental data for the required impact statements.
Timeline
December 2026 or January 2027: Expected release of draft environmental impact statement.
May or June 2027: Anticipated release of final environmental impact statement.
Summer or fall 2027: Potential commencement of construction.
Market Landscape
This project adheres to the multi-year environmental review requirements defined by the National Environmental Policy Act. The proposed pipeline route reflects a broader industry trend of upgrading cross-border energy transport infrastructure to manage supply logistics.
Business operators in affected Montana counties should track the upcoming 2027 environmental impact statements for insights into local infrastructure disruption. Evaluate potential tax revenue benefits against the regulatory hurdles of large-scale, cross-county utility projects.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects require years of lead time to navigate federal permitting and environmental reviews. Monitor the progress of these impact statements to anticipate construction timelines and the localized economic activity that follows.
What happens next
Draft environmental impact statement expected by January 2027; final environmental impact statement expected by June 2027; potential construction start in summer 2027.
Further reading
For more context on regional energy infrastructure developments, see Oil and Gas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northern Broadcasting System - Montana, Wyoming and the Western Dakotas.
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