Construction resumes on Highway 200

Construction of safety improvements on Highway 200 is scheduled to resume this week (April 8) depending on weather. The construction work zone begins near the Thompson River Bridge and extends 2.7 miles east toward Plains. Construction is expected to take four months to complete.

During construction:

One lane is anticipated to remain open during the daytime.

Traffic will be controlled with pilot cars or flaggers.

Motorists should expect 10-15 minute delays.

Traffic will return to two lanes at night.

This section of Montana Highway 200 was built in the 1930’s and has a higher than average crash rate, due in large part to wildlife and rocks falling into the roadway.

Improvements include:

Widening the travel lanes to 12 feet, adding 4-foot-wide shoulders and guardrails.

Stabilizing uphill slopes, removing rocks and installing rock fall barriers.

Extending wildlife fencing and installing Wildlife Deterrent Mats.

Installing a wildlife crossing underpass (bridge).