Fiber optic work continues along I-90
The eastbound lanes of I-90 as you enter Montana are free of construction until next year. This portion of the interstate takes a brutal winter beating and what has been done is using new concrete pavement far superior to what the area had before. (Photo from Joan Redeen)
Motorists who traveled I-90 the last three days in October undoubtedly noticed more road crews, detours and equipment than during the busiest time of the summer.
The fiber optic ditching project on the secondary roads remains but drivers should have two lanes in both east and westbound lanes and be orange-cone free from Alberton to Idaho. The last holdout is the 9-Mile Bridge west of Huson in Missoula County.
The Montana Department of Transportation, along with construction partner Acme Concrete Paving, Inc., have completed construction activities in the eastbound lanes of I- 90, for this year.
The project location was 3 miles east of the Montana/Idaho border and continued east for approximately 3 miles, ending near the Taft Interchange. The project ran from mile marker 3.4 to mile marker 5.7.
This summer, crews replaced deteriorating asphalt pavement with new, durable concrete pavement, as well as upgraded surface drainage, replaced culverts, replaced concrete barriers, improved roadway lighting, and updated signage. Crews will return in 2025 to complete the same work in the westbound lanes.