UPDATE: MDT and the contractor are working on solutions to issues with the materials used on the Helena North (I-15) project in Helena. It is recommended that the traveling public find alternate routes to avoid I-15 in the Helena are if at all possible until this is resolved.
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Montana Materials & Construction are applying a scrub seal to Interstate 15 (I-15) ramps in Helena this week.
July 1 through 3 motorists should expect intermittent closures at the Capitol Area Interchange (Exit 192), Cedar Street Interchange (Exit 193), and Custer Avenue Interchange (Exit 194). During this time, crews will be sealing all on- and off-ramps of these interchanges.
Closures may last from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the ramp.
“The larger ramps, such as the Capitol Area Interchange northbound on-ramp, will take a bit longer to scrub seal,” said Craig Durkin, MDT Engineering Project Manager for this project. “Motorists will need to use alternate routes during this time.”
Work is set to take place from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No work will take place on Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Work will resume Monday, July 7.
Currently, crews have completed work applying a scrub seal to mainline I-15 between south of the South Helena Interchange (Exit 190) and the Lincoln Road Interchange (Exit 200). Additionally, scrub seal operations on Exit 190 and Exit 200 ramps have been completed, although brooming off the loose gravel and temporary striping will continue throughout the project area for the rest of this week.
Once the entire project area has been scrub sealed, crews will return to apply final pavement markings in 30 to 45 days.
Motorists should anticipate single-lane traffic, intermittent ramp closures, reduced speed limits, a 14-foot width restriction, and fresh oil, loose rock chips, and fresh paint throughout the work zone. Motorcyclists should consider alternate routes.
Visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date information on current restrictions.
The purpose of this project is to extend the service life of the roadway, bridges, and interchange ramps within this section of the interstate. The pavement is showing signs of deterioration, and the scrub seal will rejuvenate the existing asphalt and provide a new layer of protection. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed in a single season.
For more information about this project visit the project website at mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/i15helena. If you have questions or would like to sign up for email updates, contact Tyler@rbci.net or call 406-333-7215.
To sign up for text message updates, text HELN to 866-434-0866 (toll free)*.
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