More U.S. 93 projects begin
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is notifying commuters of possible delays on U.S. 93 as construction of three projects began April 24.
Monday, construction crews began hauling material to the project sights. Minimal delays may occur while the large trucks cross the present traveled highway, which will remain open for commuters.
Riverside Contracting, Inc. of Missoula will start construction of three bridges, two at Mud Creek, and one spanning Old Highway 93, south of Pablo. This project sight is located between reference posts 50.7 and 51.09.
This is the first phase of a two-phase project. The bridges that are being constructed will also act as three wildlife-crossing structures.
After the southbound bridge is constructed this summer, traffic will be diverted from the presently traveled highway to the new southbound lane, in which construction will begin on the northbound bridge.
M. A. DeAtley Construction Inc. of Clarkston, Wash., will begin construction south of Ravalli at reference post 26.1 to south of St. Ignatius at Medicine Tree Road, reference post 31.4.
The project includes installing four wildlife crossings with wildlife fencing, as well as two-lane roadway with alternating passing lanes. This project includes improving bicycle and pedestrian use in Ravalli and the construction of scenic overlook on Ravalli Hill near the National Bison Range.
The third project will begin south of St. Ignatius at Medicine Tree Road extending 5.4 miles to Red Horn Road.
Schellinger Construction Co. Inc. of Columbia Falls will construct primarily a two-lane roadway with alternating passing lanes for north and southbound traffic. Ten wildlife crossings will be installed and a significant amount of wetland and riparian work will be done.
MDT is committed to expending this project and limiting inconveniences and delays to the public. To see all construction plans and updates along "The Peoples Way" corridor, visit: www.93info.com/pubinvolve/us93info/
The safety and road capacity improvements on U.S. 93 from Evaro to Polson are a collective vision of MDT, the Federal Highway Administration and the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. U.S. 93, through the Flathead Nation, "The Peoples Way," sets a new standard for road design, commitment to the environment, and intergovernmental collaboration.
For more information, contact Jim Mitchell for the Mud Creek Structures project at (406) 883-0418 or Mark Cyr at (406) 751-2043, or Gary Kalberg at (406) 751-2020. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-7592 or Montana Relay at 711.