September 18, 2023
Over the coming weeks, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will continue minor electrical work off of the roadway, weather and other factors permitting.
No traffic control will be in place.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
September 11, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will complete minor electrical work off of the roadway, weather and other factors permitting.
No traffic control will be in place.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
September 5, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will have minimal activity and no traffic control as the project nears completion.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
August 28, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will complete minor electrical work within the project area.
Motorists may see crews and equipment along the shoulder. Expect traffic control and minimal delays when traveling through the project area.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
August 21, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will be working this week on environmental clean-up and topsoil installation in the ditch along US Highway 87 (US 87). Additionally, crews will be performing minor electrical work within the project area.
Motorists may see crews and equipment along the shoulder and encounter areas with traffic control in place. Delays will be minimal.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
August 14, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. completed roadway striping and signage installation last week. There will be minimal activity and no traffic control this week as the project nears completion.
Crews plan to return next week to complete minor electrical work.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
August 4, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. are beginning the final epoxy paint application (roadway markings) throughout the entire project area.
Work is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 4th, and will take one week to complete, weather permitting.
Travelers may experience minor delays, single-lane traffic, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic. Speed limits will be reduced in the work zone.
MDT and Riverside Contracting Inc. will maintain traffic flow but rely on you to keep roadway crews safe.
July 31, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will continue to place signage this week. Crews were unable to complete the signage as noted last week, due to a delay in materials.
Fencing work may occur along the roadway shoulder with minimal impacts to the traveling public.
Motorists should expect minor delays as the project nears completion.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for crews on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
July 24, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will finish placing signage. Minimal impacts to the traveling public are anticipated.
Motorists should expect minor delays as the project nears completion.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for crews on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
July 17, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will finish placing signage. Minimal impacts to the traveling public are anticipated.
Motorists should expect minor delays as the project nears completion.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for crews on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
July 10, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will continue placing signage throughout the project area.
Travelers should expect minor delays as the project nears completion.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
July 3, 2023
Happy Fourth of July! Construction will be paused Monday, July 3rd through Tuesday, July 4th, and will resume on Wednesday, July 5th.
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will have minimal activities on site as the project nears completion.
Travelers should expect minor delays.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
June 27, 2023
The Armington Junction Belt N and S project is nearing completion!
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will continue placing signage and working on erosion control in the project area.
Travelers should expect minor delays.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
June 12, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will continue work in the roundabout to repair damage to the asphalt.
Crews will be working to place signage in the project area.
Travelers should expect minor delays and pilot cars controlling traffic in the roundabout area.
June 7, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will continue work in the roundabout and place signage this week.
Crews will be working along the roadway, grinding the driving surface.
Travelers should be prepared for minor delays and single-lane traffic. Please slow down and use caution in the project area.
May 30, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will be continuing work in the roundabout and placing signage this week.
Crews will be working along the roadway shoulder to complete slope work and seeding.
Travelers should be prepared for minor delays. Please slow down and use caution in the project area.
May 22, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will be continuing work in the roundabout and placing signage this week. Drivers traveling east can expect one lane traffic as work is conducted along the center barrier.
Crews will be working along the roadway shoulder to complete slope work and seeding.
Travelers should be prepared for minor delays. Please slow down and use caution in the project area.
May 15, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will be continuing concrete and electrical work in the roundabout, as well as placing signage. Drivers traveling east can expect one lane traffic as concrete work is conducted along the center barrier.
Crews will be working along the roadway shoulder to complete slope work and seeding.
Travelers should be prepared for minor delays, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic.
May 8, 2023
This week MDT and Riverside Contracting will continue concrete and electrical work in the roundabout and begin signage placement.
Drivers traveling east may experience one lane traffic during concrete work along the center barrier.
Crews will be working along the roadway shoulder to complete slope work, guardrail installation, seeding, and rumble strip installation.
Drivers should be prepared for minor delays, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic throughout the week.
May 1, 2023
MDT and Riverside Contracting completed paving last week and have placed temporary striping.
This week, crews will focus on concrete work in the roundabout and continue work on fencing.
Clean-up continues throughout the whole construction zone.
Construction is weather dependent and is expected to be substantially complete by mid-summer.
Drivers should be prepared for minor delays, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic throughout the week.
April 8, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting are about to begin construction on the final phase of the Armington Junction project near Belt.
Riverside Contracting crews will begin work starting Monday to lay the second “lift” or layer of asphalt on the roadway north of the new Belt Creek bridge and seal and cover (chip seal) the entire project. Chip sealing is used to extend the life of the roadway, as well as keep water from penetrating the pavement and improve the driving surface.
Crews will also be working to install new guardrail and signage between Belt Creek through the west end of the project. The public will also see clean-up throughout the area, including work in the roundabout.
Construction is weather dependent and is expected to be substantially complete by mid-summer.
Two-way traffic will remain during the project, but you may experience minor delays, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic. MDT and Riverside Contracting will maintain traffic flow but rely on you to keep roadway crews safe.
December 8, 2022
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will pause construction tomorrow on the Armington Junction project.
Riverside Contracting crews will return in the spring to lay the second "lift" or layer of asphalt on the roadway north of the new Belt Creek bridge and seal and cover (chip seal) the entire project. Chip sealing is used to extend the life of the roadway, as well as keep water from penetrating the pavement and improve the driving surface.
MDT Great Falls District Administrator Jim Wingerter stated, "We are grateful to the public for their patience on this project. I appreciate the Riverside Contracting crews who have been working nights and weekends to get the project paved before winter."
Russ Gaub, Engineering Project Manager at Riverside Contracting, stated, "We appreciate the public’s understanding this fall. The project was delayed by inclement weather and our choice to help our neighbors along the Yellowstone River with flood mitigation.” Gaub added, “We look forward to finishing the project in the spring."
Don’t Crowd the Plow!
While driving, be on the lookout for snowplows and give operators room to work. Many plows are hit by private vehicles each winter, with the potential to cause harm to all parties involved. The plow truck and operator are taken out of service immediately following an incident.
Drive safely this winter and keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t pass a plow when the TowPlow is deployed. The operator will periodically rotate the TowPlow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass.
- Be aware that, where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may obscure presence of additional plows in adjacent lanes.
- When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce speed immediately.
- When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline.
- Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass, but remember, the road in front of the plow is likely not as clear as the road behind it.
MDT has tools to help plan for conditions so you can reach your destination safely. Find more plow safety information and winter driving tips on MDT's Winter Driving page.
Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at 511mt.net.
November 23, 2022
Riverside Contracting has completed construction on the Armington Junction roundabout for 2022. In addition, all work on the bridge over Belt Creek is complete for the year. Crews will still be working to install guardrail and lighting at the project area as weather allows. Once those two tasks are complete, the project will shut down for the winter. Riverside Contracting will return in the spring to lay the second “lift,” or layer of asphalt, on the roadway that is north of the new Belt Creek bridge and to seal and cover (chip seal) the entire project.
Riverside Contracting and MDT appreciate your patience as we work to finish this project. Riverside crews worked nights and weekends to ensure the project was paved before winter. The cause of delay at Armington Junction is attributed to weather and crew members assisting with Yellowstone River flood mitigation.
November 9, 2022
Work is currently paused on the Armington Junction project due to snow and cold weather. Riverside Contracting has completed the second and final “lift” or layer of asphalt on US 87 northeast of the new bridge over Belt Creek. They will return in the spring to finish the second lift on the rest of the project and to chip seal the entire project. Roadway lane striping was completed over the weekend. Crews will be returning over the next several weeks to continue work on the roundabout, install guardrail, saw grooves in the pavement on the bridge deck to prevent water from collecting, and to finish other cleanup tasks to prepare for winter shutdown. Traffic control will be in place while crews work on the roundabout.
Riverside Contracting and MDT appreciate your patience as we work to finish this project. Riverside crews worked nights and weekends to ensure the project was paved before winter. The cause of delay at Armington Junction is attributed to weather and crew members assisting with Yellowstone River flood mitigation.
November 2, 2022
The Riverside Contracting team has completed the first “lift” or layer of asphalt on the Armington Junction project. Next, they will pour the second layer of asphalt, focusing first on the roundabout.
Riverside Contracting and MDT appreciate your patience as we work to finish this project. The schedule for this project includes paving this fall and returning in the spring to finish with the chip seal. Riverside crews are currently working nights and weekends to complete paving before the temperature drops, as 35 degrees is the minimum temperature required to complete paving activities. Construction projects are dynamic with many variables that affect timelines. The cause of delay at Armington Junction is attributed to weather and crew members assisting with Yellowstone River flood mitigation.
October 21, 2022
This week, Riverside Contracting is scheduled to complete roadway subgrade construction with a top layer of Cement Treated Base (CTB). Crews will begin paving the new roadway on Monday, October 24, weather permitting.
Crews working on the new bridge over Belt Creek will be removing the deck forms, as the concrete is now strong enough to support its weight and the weight of vehicles on the bridge. They are also sawing grooves into the pavement on the bridge deck to prevent water from collecting on the bridge deck.
Safety is Always in Session: Back-to-School Reminders for Motorists
Since a bus route does move through Armington Junction, MDT would like to remind motorists to always be attentive and alert while driving, to share the road, and to obey all traffic laws as school days bring school buses and increased traffic during school start and end times. Make sure you understand and follow Montana’s school bus laws. Yellow flashing lights indicate children are preparing to load or unload, and motorists should be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights indicate children are loading or unloading, and motorists MUST stop at least 30 feet from the school bus and wait until red lights are no longer flashing. Together, we can help keep our students safe on their journey! Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and school bus safety at Vision Zero.
October 7, 2022
MDT and Riverside Contracting thank you for your patience as construction continues at Armington Junction. The project team received several comments over the weekend about the conditions of the detour through the project. Conditions deteriorated rapidly this past weekend due to the construction site receiving about three inches of rain, but Riverside Construction crew members have worked hard to improve the driving surface, and it is in much better shape. Along with weather, heavy traffic makes the unpaved surfaces decline rapidly. The site is bladed daily and receives dust control frequently. Traffic at the project continues to drive on the subgrade of the new road as it is being built. As the crews make progress moving north, additional layers will make the travel surface much smoother. The construction site is approximately three miles, and the traveling public should be prepared for slow speeds as pilot cars lead traffic through the site, allowing work to continue safely. At night, lanes are created using reflective cones and barrels.
Armington Junction Construction site, 10/4/22
Crews are starting to pour concrete for the new curbs of the roundabout and will begin paving the new roadway as soon as they can. Work also continues on the new bridge over Belt Creek. Concrete was poured last week for the last section of the bridge deck. This week, crews will be working on the concrete barrier rail for the bridge.
Rich Hibl, MDT construction engineer for the Great Falls District of the Montana Department of Transportation, was interviewed by new stations this week about the Armington Junction project. Read the story by clicking this link. [krtv.com].
Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at www.511mt.net
Safety is Always in Session: Back-to-School Reminders for Motorists
Since a bus route does move through Armington Junction, MDT would like to remind motorists to always be attentive and alert while driving, to share the road, and to obey all traffic laws as school days bring school buses and increased traffic during school start and end times. Make sure you understand and follow Montana’s school bus laws. Yellow flashing lights indicate children are preparing to load or unload, and motorists should be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights indicate children are loading or unloading, and motorists MUST stop at least 30 feet from the school bus and wait until red lights are no longer flashing. Together, we can help keep our students safe on their journey! Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and school bus safety at Vision Zero.
September 22, 2022
Traffic at Armington Junction is now driving on the subgrade of the new road as it is being built. Crews are working to smooth the surface of the roadway, but rainstorms and heavy traffic make the unpaved surfaces deteriorate rapidly. As the crews make progress moving north additional layers will make the travel surface much smoother. The traveling public should be prepared for slow speeds as pilot cars lead traffic through the construction site, allowing work to continue safely.
The work on the new bridge over Belt Creek is progressing rapidly. By the end of this week crews will have laid two more sections of the deck, with the last deck section tentatively poured on Tuesday.
Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at www.511mt.net
Safety is Always in Session: Back-to-School Reminders for Motorists
Since a bus route does move through Armington Junction, MDT would like to remind motorists to always be attentive and alert while driving, to share the road, and to obey all traffic laws as school days bring school buses and increased traffic during school start and end times. Make sure you understand and follow Montana’s school bus laws. Yellow flashing lights indicate children are preparing to load or unload, and motorists should be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights indicate children are loading or unloading, and motorists MUST stop at least 30 feet from the school bus and wait until red lights are no longer flashing. Together, we can help keep our students safe on their journey! Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and school bus safety at Vision Zero.
September 16, 2022
Riverside Contracting will begin laying gravel this week throughout the project at Armington Junction. Construction activities also continue on the new bridge over Belt Creek with crews tying rebar this week and pouring the final bridge deck next week.
A reminder to all motorists that there is a 35 mph speed limit through the construction site. Excessive speeds are contributing to poor conditions on the detour. In response, crews are blading and smoothing the detours daily as well as applying dust control as needed. Motorist should expect minor delays, flaggers, pilot cars, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph.
September 2, 2022
Riverside Contracting continues prep work at Armington Junction, focusing on installing pipe and building the embankment of the new roadway. Construction activities also continue on the new bridge over Belt Creek with crews working on forming the bridge deck.
A reminder to all motorists that there is a 35 mph speed limit through the construction site. Excessive speeds are contributing to poor conditions on the detour. In response, crews are blading and smoothing the detours daily as well as applying dust control as needed. Motorist should expect minor delays, flaggers, pilot cars, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph.
Make a Sober Ride Part of Your Labor Day Plans.
For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. This period is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” and has historically represented an increase in crashes and crash fatalities on our roadways due to greater traffic volumes and clear travel conditions that lower drivers’ guards.
Before you make plans to travel this summer, commit to safe, lawful behavior and remain vigilant in sharing Montana’s roadways with all system users. Never operate a motor vehicle while impaired. If you’re driving a vehicle, buckle up before you go and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation.
Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero here.
August 11, 2022
Riverside Contracting continues to work at Armington Junction doing prep work to build the new roadway, with work starting this week on milling activities. Construction activities also continue on the new bridge over Belt Creek with crews welding the beams. Next week, crews plan to start work on the decking and forming of the backwalls, which are the retaining walls that support the approach to the bridge and hold back the embankment.
A reminder to all motorists that there is a 35 mph speed limit through the construction site. Excessive speeds through the detours are contributing to poor conditions on the detour. In response, crews are blading and smoothing the detours daily as well as applying dust control as needed. Motorist should expect minor delays, flaggers, pilot cars, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
100 Deadliest Days: A Reminder Stay Safe and Vigilant in Your Summer Travels
For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. This period is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” and has historically represented an increase in crashes and crash fatalities on our roadways due to greater traffic volumes and clear travel conditions that lower drivers’ guards.
Before you make plans to travel this summer, commit to safe, lawful behavior and remain vigilant in sharing Montana’s roadways with all system users. Never operate a motor vehicle while impaired. If you’re driving a vehicle, buckle up before you go and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation.
Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero here.
August 3, 2022
Work continues at Armington Junction as the Riverside Contracting crews conduct prep work to build the new roadway. In addition, construction activities continue on the new bridge over Belt Creek with crews setting girders, which are the steel beams that serve as the primary support for the bridge deck.
A reminder to all motorists that there is a 35 mph speed limit through the construction site. Excessive speeds through the detours are contributing to poor conditions on the detour. In response, crews are blading and smoothing the detours daily as well as applying dust control as needed. Motorist should expect minor delays, flaggers, pilot cars, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
100 Deadliest Days: A Reminder Stay Safe and Vigilant in Your Summer Travels
For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. This period is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” and has historically represented an increase in crashes and crash fatalities on our roadways due to greater traffic volumes and clear travel conditions that lower drivers’ guards.
Before you make plans to travel this summer, commit to safe, lawful behavior and remain vigilant in sharing Montana’s roadways with all system users. Never operate a motor vehicle while impaired. If you’re driving a vehicle, buckle up before you go and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation.
Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero here.
July 1, 2022
Next week Riverside Contracting will be conducting embankment excavation and installing pipe on Neil Creek at Armington Junction. Traffic control has increased and motorists should expect minor delays, flaggers, pilot cars, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph. Flaggers have been added to upper Neil Creek Road, lower Neil Creek Road, and Anaconda Road to help ensure local access. The detour also saw some work this week with crews blading and grading the detour for a smoother drive for motorists and spraying it to combat dust.
In addition to work on the intersection, construction activities continue on the new bridge over Belt Creek. For the next few weeks, crews will be forming and pouring the substructure concrete for the bridge, with a goal of setting the beams the week of July 18.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
Make a Sober Ride Part of Your Fourth of July Plans.
For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. To help ensure everyone enjoys a safe holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) will be increasing patrols to watch for and stop impaired drivers on Montana’s roadways. Before you make plans to celebrate Fourth of July, plan for safe, sober transportation and insist your friends and family do the same. Remember to always buckle up before you go, as using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and impaired driving prevention here.
June 21, 2022
This week Riverside Contracting will continue grading operations at Armington Junction. Grading is the preparation work done before the construction of the new roadway can begin and ensures the construction site is level and allows for proper drainage. In addition to grading the crews will also be removing guard rail. Motorists should expect minor delays, flaggers, pilot cars, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph.
Work continues on the bridge over Belt Creek. Steel pile is being driven into bedrock to provide a solid foundation for the bridge above. Geotechnical engineers and MDT inspectors monitor the progress to ensure the pile is driven to the correct depths and has enough strength to hold the heavy traffic loads that will someday cross over the bridge.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
Building Connections to Bring Montana Together – Good Roads Day is June 21, 2022
There are over 73,000* miles of roads open to public travel in our state (including nearly 12,923 miles of MDT routes) that accommodate nearly 13 billion annual vehicle miles traveled (AVMT). Simply put, roads and roadways (including bridges) keep our great state connected and moving forward! The third Tuesday in June marks Good Roads Day – designated by the Montana Legislature in 1947, whereby the people of the state are asked to contribute toward the improvement and safety of public highways (MCA 60-1-104). For MDT, building “good roads” takes time and means a continuous planning process that is underway long before ground is ever broken on a project. It can take eight years to complete a road project, but long-range planning starts anywhere from 1-20 years prior to the project start date. As transportation needs outpace revenue 3 to 1, MDT focuses on safety and preserving and maintaining transportation infrastructure as top priorities; in other words, keeping Montana’s good roads in good order. Join MDT in celebrating Good Roads Day on June 21, 2022, and share what #GoodRoads mean to you!
*Find more facts about funding and Montana’s roads in MDT’s Fact Book
June 13, 2022
Weather permitting, Riverside Contracting will start grading operations on site at Armington Junction this week. Grading is the preparation work done before the construction of the new roadway can begin. Grading ensures the construction site is level and allows for proper drainage. When grading operations begin, motorists should expect minor delays, signal lights, flaggers, gravel detours, reduced lanes, and reduced speeds to 35 mph.
In addition riprap work and drilled shaft installation will continue for the new bridge over Belt Creek. Drilled shafts are an integral part of the foundation of the bridge. The crews drill cylindrical shafts into the ground, reinforce them with rebar cages, and then fill the shafts with concrete.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
100 Deadliest Days: A Reminder Stay Safe and Vigilant in Your Summer Travels
Summer travel has kicked off in Montana, but unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. This period is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” and has historically represented an increase in crashes and crash fatalities on our roadways due to greater traffic volumes and clear travel conditions that lower drivers' guards.
Before you make plans to travel this summer, commit to safe, lawful behavior and remain vigilant in sharing Montana’s roadways with all system users. Never operate a motor vehicle while impaired. If you’re driving a vehicle, buckle up before you go and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero.
June 2, 2022
Riverside Contracting returns to the project this week and will be doing rip rap work. Rip rap is the rock material used to protect shoreline structures against erosion. Work should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see flaggers controlling traffic.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
Seat Belts Save Lives! Buckle Up, Montana.
For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. As part of a nationwide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization running from May 23 through June 5, 2022, law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) will be out to educate motorists and enforce Montana’s seat belt law statewide. Before you make plans to travel this Memorial Day weekend, commit to always buckle up before you go, and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and seat belt safety.
May 17, 2022
Once the crews from Sletten finish demolishing the old bridge over Belt Creek, they will be installing temporary shoring along the roadway. This entails driving sheet piling next to the roadway to hold back the roadway embankment. This work will require single-lane traffic for 3-4 days, so the traveling public should be prepared for 15-minute delays, signal lights, and pilot cars.
May 2, 2022
Starting today, the traveling public should be prepared for traffic control and minor delays as traffic begins detouring over the new bridge. The south side of the bridge that will eventually be the southbound lanes has been constructed and traffic will detour over that new section while the second half is being built. Two-way traffic will remain, but folks may experience minor delays, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic.
This week, the crew from Sletten Construction will begin demolition of the old bridge. After that work is complete they will begin work to construct the north side of the new bridge which will eventually be the northbound lanes.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
April 8, 2022
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in conjunction with Riverside Contracting have nearly finished building half of the new bridge over Belt Creek on US 87 just north of Armington Junction. This work has had minimal impact on traffic because crews built a temporary structure called a work bridge allowing work without disrupting travelers.
Recently, crews poured concrete for the new bridge deck. While they wait for the concrete to cure, and gain the necessary strength to bear traffic, crews are building the bridge barrier rail and removing the work bridge. Next, crews will start building approaches to the new bridge, where traffic will be diverted as work begins demolishing the old bridge and building the second half of the new bridge.
Currently, crews are building the approaches to the new bridge. On approximately April 18, after the approaches are built, the traveling public should be prepared for traffic control and minor delays as they begin to detour over the new bridge. Two-way traffic will remain, but folks may experience minor delays, pilot cars, and signal lights controlling traffic.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through work zones so that both you and roadway crews stay safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for workers and equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway and make every effort to work safely; they count on you to do your part too.
February 4, 2022
Crews are still working at Armington Junction constructing the bridge over Belt Creek. This work includes girder installation and rebar placement in preparation for concrete.
Work on the bridge should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed for crews to move equipment safely around the work site.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through a work zone so that both you and roadway workers remain safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for roadway workers and their equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway as well as keep you safe. Roadway workers make every effort to work safely; they are counting on you to do your part.
December 23, 2021
Crews continue to build the bridge over Belt Creek this week and here are some recent pictures from the construction site.
The crew will be taking next week off for the holidays. If you are traveling for the holidays, please follow MDT’s Winter Driving Checklist:
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Clean off your car. Keep windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Always buckle up.
- Slow down in poor visibility conditions.
- Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
- Expect ice on bridges and in shady spots.
- Don't pass snowplows unless it's absolutely necessary.
- Prepare your vehicle for winter driving at the start of the season.
- Check to be sure all four tires are in good condition.
- Don't wait until the last minute to get snow tires mounted.
- Keep an emergency travel kit in your car.
For more information, check out MDT’s Winter Driving website. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
December 1, 2021
Construction crews continue to work to ensure the new bridge over Belt Creek has a strong foundation. Drilled shafts are an integral part of that foundation. The crews drill the cylindrical shafts into the ground, reinforce them with rebar cages, and then fill the shafts with concrete.
A recently placed drill shaft not yet filled with concrete.
Rebar cages go inside the drilled shafts.
This drill shaft has been filled with concrete, covered, and wrapped to ensure the cement cures at a temperature above 50 degrees.
Crews attached a temperature gauge to ensure the cement cures at a warm enough temperature.
Crews use this crane and drill to install the drilled shafts.
Work on the bridge should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed for crews to move equipment safely around the work site.
Please remember to pay attention when approaching and driving through a work zone so that both you and roadway workers remain safe. Take note of reduced speed limits, eliminate distractions, and be watchful for roadway workers and their equipment. Be kind; the workers are there to improve the roadway as well as keep you safe.
Roadway workers make every effort to work safely; they are counting on you to do your part.
November 10, 2021
The crews from Riverside have finished rip rap work underneath the Belt Creek bridge and the crews from Sletten continue to work on building a strong foundation for the new bridge. This week they will begin work on the drilled shafts. This work entails drilling or excavating cylindrical shafts into the ground and then filling them with concrete. In addition, they will continue tying rebar to strengthen the concrete that will be used on the foundations and beams for the bridge.
Work should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed as the Sletten crews move their equipment around the work site.
October 19, 2021
The construction crew from Sletten Construction will continue work on the bridge over Belt Creek. This week, they will continue working to make a strong foundation for the bridge by tying rebar to strengthen the concrete that will be used on the foundations and beams for the bridge. In addition, a crew from Riverside Contracting will be onsite doing rip rap work later this week. Rip rap is the rock material used to protect shoreline structures against erosion.
Work should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed as the crews move their equipment around the work site.
October 4, 2021
The Sletten crews are continuing work this week on the Bridge over Belt Creek. Work will include continuing the installation of piles, which entails driving long, narrow steel columns into the ground to create a deep foundation for the bridge. When the piles are driven into the ground the friction makes them stronger. Essentially, the resistance between the pile and the surrounding earth creates an extremely strong foundation for further construction.
Crews will also be installing temporary shoring (driving sheet piling into the ground next to the roadway to hold back the roadway embankment) on bent 3. Bents are the structures that provide vertical support for the bridge.
Work should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed as the Sletten crews move their equipment around the work site.
September 27, 2021
Bridge work continues this week with the crews from Sletten Construction. They will be working on one of the bridge bents, which is the structure that provides vertical support for the bridge. Specifically, they will be doing grading work to support bent 1, which means ensuring a level base for the structure. Then they will begin piling work. This entails driving long, narrow steel columns into the ground to create a deep foundation for the bridge.
Work should continue without major disruptions to traffic, but the traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed as the Sletten crews move their equipment around the work site.
September 20, 2021
This week the crew from Sletten Construction will finalize the installation of a work bridge and will begin installation of a work dock. These structures are built to allow the crews to gain better access to the bridge over Belt Creek, allowing them to work on the new bridge without causing major disruptions to traffic. The traveling public may see temporary single-lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic as needed as they move their equipment around the work site.
September 13, 2021
The crew from Sletten Construction will finalize their work on temporary shoring (driving sheet piling into the ground next to the roadway to hold back the roadway embankment) on the south side of the Belt Creek bridge site this week. In addition, they will begin installation of a work bridge to gain access to both sides of Belt Creek with their crane so that they can continue working on building the foundation for the new bridge. The traveling public can expect temporary single lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic.
September 3, 2021
Crews on the ground at Armington Junction are still working on clearing brush and trees from the construction site. In addition, Sletten Construction is working near the bridge site on temporary shoring, which entails driving sheet piling into the ground next to the roadway to hold back the roadway embankment. The traveling public can expect temporary single lane closures with a traffic light to control traffic.
August 24, 2021
This week the crew will be working around the bridge, building up the embankments on the ends of the bridge to support the end bents which are the structures that will support each end of the bridge span. This will entail minimal impacts to the public, but there may be temporary single lane restrictions and flaggers and signals.
Watch for the Cone Zone
As you travel through construction sites, please remember the three S's of work zone safety: speed, space, and stress.
1. Manage Your Speed
Slow down when approaching all work zones. You will be in the work zone quicker than you think.
Follow posted speed limits, especially within construction zones, and try to maintain a consistent speed with the traffic flow. And adjust your speed for weather conditions.
Don't resume normal speed until you see roadway signs indicating it's safe to do so.
2. Manage Your Space
Leave room. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Count out at least two seconds from the time the car ahead of you passes an object and the time your own car passes that object. Also, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.
Don't pass on the shoulder. Don't drive across the median. This creates a very dangerous situation for you, construction workers and other motorists.
Give yourself an out. When stopped in traffic, leave a safety zone between you and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is that when stopped in traffic you should be able to see the bottom of the tires of the vehicle in front of you.
Don't try to force tailgaters to back off by slamming on your brakes. At night, lightly tap your brake pedal to illuminate your brake lights to warn tailgaters they are too close. During the day, turn your headlights on and off several times to illuminate your tail lights.
3. Manage Your Stress
Keep Your Cool. Calm down. Don't rush. Remember, the temporary inconvenience of a construction zone will soon pay off with greatly improved roads.
Pay Attention. Avoid cell phone or radio distractions, as well as those of other stopped cars or construction.
Expect Delays. Use the Traveler Information Map to learn about construction; leave a bit earlier; or try an alternate route.
August 16, 2021
Construction starts today on the Armington Junction Belt North and South project. This year, the project will focus on the bridge and culvert structures, including off-site building of the new bridge over the winter. The construction to widen the roadways and install the roundabout at Armington Junction is planned to occur in 2022. Initial operations will include removing trees and shrubs in order to allow for the bridge and culvert work to proceed. This will entail minimal impacts to the public, but there may be temporary single lane restrictions and pilot cars.