Montana-Canada Border Road Closure Sparks Outrage

Residents on both sides of the border question the decision to shut down a decades-old gravel road connecting communities.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:08pm

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After over 80 years of use, a 9-mile gravel road known as 'Border Road' that has connected families and ranchers on both sides of the Montana-Canada border near Sweet Grass is set to be closed starting July 1st. Locals on both sides of the border are frustrated by the decision, which officials claim is due to an increase in illegal traffic, though residents say they haven't seen evidence of that.

Why it matters

The closure of Border Road represents the loss of a longstanding community connection between Montana and Canada, with residents on both sides expressing concern over the new barrier it will create. The road's shutdown also raises questions about the reasoning behind the decision and whether it truly addresses any security issues.

The details

Border Road, a simple gravel crossing that has allowed ranchers, neighbors, and families to travel back and forth between Montana and Canada for decades, will be closed starting July 1st. While officials cite an increase in illegal traffic as the reason, locals like Montana resident Roger Horgus say they haven't seen evidence of that. On the Canadian side, Ross Ford is equally frustrated, noting the road has provided 'free access' for around 80 years. Alberta's Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said Canada has pledged $8 million to build a new road parallel to the old one, but Ford joked that 'the border will be in the ditch' with the new arrangement.

  • Border Road has been in use for over 80 years.
  • The road will be closed starting July 1, 2026.

The players

Roger Horgus

A Montana resident who lives near the border and calls the closure of Border Road 'ridiculous'.

Ross Ford

A Canadian resident who lives on the other side of the border and is frustrated by the loss of 'free access' to the road that families have enjoyed for decades.

Devin Dreeshen

The Alberta Transportation Minister who said Canada has pledged $8 million to build a new road parallel to the old Border Road.

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What they’re saying

“I hate to see it because the Canadians have taken such good care of us and the road, with grading and all of that.”

— Roger Horgus, Montana Resident

“It's unfortunate. We've enjoyed free access to the road for I guess about 80 years, way before I was born. We've always been very close to our neighbours. Of course, they live in Montana and that won't change — but we have this new barrier.”

— Ross Ford, Canadian Resident

“the border will be in the ditch.”

— Ross Ford, Canadian Resident

What’s next

Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said Canada has already pledged $8 million to build a new road that'll run parallel to the old Border Road, with the goal of having it completed by summer.

The takeaway

The closure of Border Road, a decades-old gravel crossing connecting Montana and Canada, has sparked outrage on both sides of the border. Residents view the decision as the loss of a longstanding community connection, raising questions about the reasoning behind it and the impact the new barrier will have on their close-knit relationships.