MDT updates county road construction
ALBERTON – Bridgework on I-90 near Alberton has plagued traffic in the area for months, and soon drivers will rejoice as the project is set for completion by the end of May, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.
However, as that project ends, another bridge repair has begun on I-90 near Superior.
On May 9, MDT reported that drivers traveling I-90 in both directions between mile markers 74 to 85 near Alberton could expect speed reductions from 75 mph to 55 mph, including areas reduced to single lane traffic.
“This area is still under construction and workers are still working on being done by the end of May which is the projected timeframe of completion,” said Dean Jones, construction engineer for MDT.
Pilot cars are also being used in the area for wide loads because of a 12-foot width restriction. Piloting is only taking place Monday-Thursdays.
Additionally, drivers should use extra caution, as there will be two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes, where portions of the westbound side of the highway will be closed near the area where the bridge construction is taking place.
I-90 mile marker 51 to 55 project
The bridge project on I-90 near Superior began April 24 and also affects both directions between mile markers 51 to 55 over the Clark Fork River. Although drivers may notice workers aren’t seemingly present in this area, that’s actually not the case.
“They are working underneath the bridge in that area doing prep work,” Jones said. “Right now they are drilling holes so they can attach a concrete pad which will be used to help jack up one end of the bridge during the repair process.”
Unfortunately for drivers, the project is expected to last throughout summer, and travelers in this area can expect detours, reduced speeds to 45 mph, pilot cars and single lane traffic. The 12-foot width restriction also applies to this project as well.
MDT wants to remind drivers when traveling through construction areas to maintain a safe speed, maintain enough distance between vehicles and contain your stress level.
People should slow down when asked to do so and follow the construction speed limits for the safety of the traveler and the workers.
Also, drivers should give themselves a two second space between cars. This can be counted by picking an object like a tree and counting how many seconds it takes to get to the object. This will allow the car enough time to break safely if necessary.
Motorists should never pass on the shoulder, or slam on the brakes and should watch for tailgaters.
Also, avoid distractions like talking on phones and texting.
When traveling, anticipate delays and leave early for your destination if necessary. This will also help maintain stress and make for a safe drive to the destination.
MDT encourages drivers to visit their website regularly for information on all county road construction projects. Construction information is updated daily and contains the most up-to-date road conditions at www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/scripts/const_mai.pl.