The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) continues construction for the week of October 18 on the North of DeSmet Interchange project on US 93. Due to yesterday's inclement weather, today Riverside Contracting crews are finishing paving on the interstate ramps. As a result, the westbound interstate ramps remain closed October 15. Crews are expected to finish and reopen the ramps by the end of the day. Crews are also finishing paving approaches, the area where driveways and roads connect to the highway, and are painting temporary lines on the road. Final highway lines will be painted in the spring after the chip seal, or final layer of pavement, is placed on the road.
During the week of October 18, any remaining approaches will be finished and crews will focus on installing signs, seeding for native vegetation to return, and installing guardrail. This work will primarily occur between Frenchtown Frontage Road and the bottom of Evaro Hill. Between I 90 and Frenchtown Frontage Road, crews will be focused on curb work.
Outside travel lanes will be closed during this time. Traffic will be moving on the inside lanes. Please be prepared for delays, especially during times of paving.
In a few weeks, this project will wrap up for the winter. Crews will return for a brief time next year for the finishing touches on the project. Thank you for your patience during this busy construction season!
MDT has an updated travel app. More travel information including road conditions and major crashes can be found at https://www.511mt.net.
MDT reminds everyone this construction season to practice the Three S's of work zone safety: speed, space and stress. Slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Keep your cool, pay attention, and plan for delays.
If you have questions or concerns about ongoing construction or next steps for the project, please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling our project hotline at 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing me at takami@bigskypublicrelations.com.
More information on the project can be found on MDT’s website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/desmet/.
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.