Proposed project for Highway 323

The Montana Department of Transportation recently announced a proposal to seal and cover about 53.7 miles of MT Highway 323, north of Alzada. The project begins at the Box Elder Creek Bridge at reference post 17.7 and extends south for 53.7 miles ending at the intersection with U.S. Highway 212 in Alzada, at reference post 71.0. The public is invited to comment on the project.

Proposed work includes sealing existing cracks, installing edge drains at select locations to drain saturated roadbed segments and finishing with a seal and cover (chip seal) and upgraded pavement markings. The purpose of the project is to extend the life of the pavement and reduce the maintenance costs until a reconstruct/major rehabilitation of the road corridor becomes feasible and funding is available.

This segment of MT 323 is currently under contract with Prince, Inc. for repair work including pulverization, adding cement to the base and re-paving the worst sections along this segment. The project is tentatively scheduled for construction during the 2021 season, depending on completion of all project development activities and availability of funding. No new Right-of-Way or utility relocations will be needed.

An important part of properly planning for future projects is partnering with the community. The Montana Department of Transportation welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_forms.shtml or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Glendive office at PO Box 890, Glendive, MT 59330-0890. Please note that comments are for project UPN 9837000.

The public is encouraged to contact Glendive District Administrator Shane Mintz at (406) 345-8212 or Project Design Engineer Steve Heidner at (406) 345-8247.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.