LEWISTOWN, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partners, Sletten Construction and engineering consultant Morrison-Maierle, will begin replacing five timber bridges near the Lewistown area in June. Four of the bridges are located in Fergus County on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81) and one in Wheatland County on Secondary Highway 297 (S 297).
“Replacing these aging bridges is an important investment for this growing region,” said Mike Taylor, MDT Billings District Administrator. “The project will enhance infrastructure safety and reliability for communities and businesses across central Montana.”
The following bridges will be replaced:
Fergus County
- Dry Wolf Creek Bridge on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81), 6 miles southeast of Denton
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 6 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 5 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 4 miles west of Brooks
Wheatland County
- Deadman’s Basin Canal Bridge on Secondary Highway 297 (S 297), 1 mile north of Shawmut
These bridge replacements are the first phase of the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures project that will replace 11 regional timber bridges through 2028. Phase two of the project is scheduled to begin in 2027.
“Our team is looking forward to getting started on these important improvements,” said Russ Robertson, Vice President of the Bridge Division for Sletten Construction. “We appreciate the community’s patience and ask drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones to help keep everyone safe.”
During construction, detours will be directly next to the current structures, and minimal traffic disruptions are anticipated. Traffic control will be on-site, speed limits will be reduced, and shoulder closures will be in place through the construction zones.
A motorcycle advisory will be in effect due to the gravel surfaces on the detours, which can create hazardous riding conditions. Motorcyclists are encouraged to consider using an alternate route.
Regular email and project webpage updates will be available during construction. Text message updates will also be provided. To receive text message* updates, text LEWISTOWNDAR to 41411.
For project questions or to receive email updates, contact Sloane at Sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures project, including a full list of bridges to be replaced and a map of their locations, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/lewistownbridges.
*Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. MDT does not manage texting alerts and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information, read the Simple Texting Privacy Policy [textedly.com].
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