Department of Transportation announces road work on US HWY 212 in Rosebud County

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) recently announced that summer road work on a 12-mile portion of US Highway 212 (US 212) east of Lame Deer is scheduled to commence in June. The project begins just east of the junction with Montana Highway 39 (MT 39) at the roundabout in Lame Deer and extends east. The contractor selected for work on this project is Prince, Inc.

The Lame Deer – East project will include new surfacing, seal and cover (chip seal) operations, centerline and shoulder rumble strips, and upgraded signs and pavement markings. Approaches and chain-up areas will be paved as well. The project aims to extend the existing roadway’s life, reduce road maintenance needs, and enhance safety features on this vital roadway.

“MDT is committed to providing the traveling public with a safe, smooth ride, and this project is appropriately timed to rehabilitate a rough patch of road that sees a high percentage of large commercial vehicles every day,” said MDT Glendive District Administrator Shane Mintz. “We appreciate the public’s patience and commitment to safety during this project and look forward to a newly surfaced roadway that will last for years to come.”

The project will proceed in two general stages from a traveler’s standpoint.

Stage 1: First, beginning in mid-June, US 212 will be closed to all non-local traffic during daytime hours from the intersection with Interstate 90 (I-90) at Crow Agency east to Broadus for approximately five days. This closure will allow crews to mill and pave the first two miles of this project, leading to better work zone safety and access for the rest of the project duration. US 212 will remain open to local traffic during the closure, and the road will reopen to non-local traffic overnight (between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.).

All non-local traffic traveling eastbound past Crow Agency will be stopped at Busby and diverted to State Secondary Highway 314 (S 314) and back to I-90. All non-local westbound traffic out of Broadus will be diverted to Miles City and Interstate 94 (I-94).

Stage 2: After the first five days of project work, US 212 will be reopened to all traffic between Crow Agency and Broadus, and the rest of the project will be constructed under traffic control. Non-local traffic is encouraged to use alternate routes for the duration of construction to avoid delays.

During this phase, travelers between Lame Deer and Ashland should expect delays and single-lane traffic controlled by pilot cars and flaggers with reduced speeds. MDT and Prince, Inc. will ensure multiple pilot cars are active to keep wait times short and maintain traffic flow.

This project is on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. MDT anticipates work taking approximately two months, weather and other factors permitting.

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/.

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