Construction resuming on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are resuming operations on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project.

The Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project began in the spring of 2023 and consists of rehabilitating 11 bridges in southeastern Montana. Construction on this project will continue bridge by bridge this year as MDT and Sletten Construction finish the partially complete bridges and begin work on the Colstrip Interchange Bridge.

Beginning earlier this month, crews will close one lane of Interstate 94 (I-94) eastbound to prepare for work on the Colstrip Interchange Bridge. Travelers should expect short delays and alternating single lane closures as crews work their way across the bridge.

Jeremy Schneidt, MDT Glendive District Project Manager, would like to thank the public for their understanding and cooperation through this busy construction season. “We’re excited to get back to work. We’ve got a few bridges to finish up and are planning to get started on the Colstrip Interchange Bridge in June. You might see crews out and about between now and then doing minor joint repair and prep activities, so slow down and exercise caution if you see our guys on the road.”

The Colstrip Interchange Bridge will be closed for approximately three months while under construction to facilitate a bridge deck removal and replacement. East and westbound through traffic on I-94 will utilize the on- and off-ramps. Other traffic will detour around the Interchange. Maps of suggested detours can be found on the project website.

“We hope folks take the time to slow down and look out for our crews in construction zones this season,” said Sletten Construction project superintendent Mark Bochteler. “Our safety really does rely on you.”

MDT anticipates completing all bridges by fall 2024, weather and other factors permitting.

Below is a complete list of bridges involved in this project and their construction status:

1. Colstrip Interchange Bridge | Planned for 2024

2. Powder River Bridge | Partially Complete

3. Tongue River Bridge | Partially Complete

4. Rosebud Creek Bridge | Partially Complete

5. MT 39 Railroad Bridge | Partially Complete

6. US 12 Railroad Bridge | Partially Complete

7. Armells Creek Bridge | Partially Complete

8. East Forsyth Interchange Bridge Eastbound | Complete

9. East Forsyth Interchange Bridge Westbound | Complete

10. Little Powder River Bridge | Complete

11. Otter Creek Bridge | Complete

Members of the public can find more information on the project webpage: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/semtbridges or by reaching out to Ella Currier at [email protected] or 406-465-7198.

Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at https://www.511mt.net/.

About MDT:

We are B.U.I.L.D.E.R.S. At MDT, our mission is to plan, build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation infrastructure to move Montana forward by setting the gold standard for a highly effective, innovative, and people-centric department of transportation. For more information about MDT and the work we do on behalf of Montana’s traveling public, visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/