Blue Side Road work continues this week

Construction on the second phase of the Blue Slide Road Project, located nine miles west of Thompson Falls on Blue Slide Road, is anticipated to resume the week of Nov. 18.

Work includes installing a larger culvert at Cougar Creek and removing uphill rocks.

What to expect during construction:

- Construction is anticipated to take 2-3 weeks to complete depending on weather;

- One lane will remain open and be controlled by flaggers and signs;

- Motorists will travel on gravel at reduced speeds.

The project is reconstructing a small section of Blue Slide Road that was severely damaged on April 28, 2018 when heavy spring snowmelt combined with heavy rain caused Cougar Creek to overflow and wash out the gravel beneath the pavement.

The first phase of the project involved stabilizing the roadway, evaluating the washout and developing long-term design plans to improve this section of Blue Slide Road.

After analysis of the washout and contributing factors, MDT determined that installing a larger culvert at Cougar Creek would be the best way to address the issues at this location.

Signup for construction email updates by texting BLUESLIDE to 22828.

Questions and comments can be directed to Brandon Coates at Brandon@rbci.net or by phone at (406) 465-3350.

For more information and updates regarding the project visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/blueslide/