October 2, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is reaching out to share why the crosswalks were recently painted red on Main Street in Boulder.

The crosswalks were originally made of stamped, red concrete. Over time, that color faded to a lighter red. As part of the Boulder – Main Street project, the concrete crosswalks were replaced with painted asphalt crosswalks to eliminate breaks during maintenance operations. Since removing the old concrete also meant losing the red color, we brought back the closest match of red to meet current traffic safety guidelines.

Why use a bright color like red?

  • It highlights places where pedestrians cross without traffic signals, enhancing safety for all roadway users.
  • It helps motorists see crosswalks from a greater distance away.
  • It improves visibility of crosswalk locations for pedestrians.
Red crosswalks in downtown.”

Photo credit: Leah Lewis. Red crosswalks in downtown Boulder.

August 16, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel have improved about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

Crews have completed:

  • Replacing the top layer of pavement.
  • Improving drainage at the intersection with Centennial Avenue.
  • Replacing concrete crosswalks with painted asphalt crosswalks.
  • Replacing the landscaped medians with concrete medians.
  • Repairing the Boulder River Bridge.
  • Applying a seal and cover (chip seal).
  • Installing temporary pavement markings.
  • Upgrading signage.
  • Improving sidewalk ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

In approximately 30-45 days, crews will install permanent pavement markings.

We appreciate your patience during the construction to improve Main Street.

August 9, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

Permanent pavement markings continue to be installed the week of August 12. Crews may be active in the project area Monday through Saturday during daylight hours.

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve Main Street. Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

August 2, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

Now that the paving operations are complete, crews will be:

  • Completing the seal and cover (chip seal).
  • Sweeping after the chip seal.
  • Installing pavement striping.

Expect minor delays while flaggers and signal lights help direct traffic through the work zone. Crews may be active in the project area Monday through Saturday during daylight hours.

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve Main Street. Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

July 26, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

During the week of July 29, crews will be:

  • Completing paving operations.
  • Beginning the seal and cover (chip seal).
  • Installing pavement striping.

Expect minor delays while flaggers and signal lights help direct traffic through the work zone. Crews may be active in the project area Monday through Saturday during daylight hours.

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve Main Street. Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

July 19, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

Construction is advancing with milling and concrete installation wrapping up the week of July 15. Once the concrete installation is complete, crews will begin paving operations.

  • During paving operations, traffic control will be in place.
  • Expect minor delays while flaggers and signal lights help direct traffic through the work zone.
  • Crews may be active in the project area Monday through Saturday during daylight hours.

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve Main Street. Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

July 9, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

This upcoming week, crews will be:

  • Beginning rotomilling operations.
  • Removing concrete crosswalks.
  • Placing concrete for curb & gutter.
  • Updating the sidewalks with ADA ramps.

During milling operations, expect minor delays while flaggers direct single lane traffic.

Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

July 2, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

This upcoming week, crews will be:

  • Removing concrete crosswalks.
  • Continuing sidewalk excavation on Main Street.
  • Placing concrete for curb & gutter.
  • Updating the sidewalks with ADA ramps.

Fourth of July Holiday: Crews will pause construction activities at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 and resume on Monday, July 8.

Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

June 25, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about one (1) mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

This upcoming week, crews will be:

  • Continuing sidewalk excavation on Main Street.
  • Placing concrete for curb & gutter.
  • Updating the sidewalks with ADA ramps.

Fourth of July Holiday: Crews will pause construction activities at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 and resume on Monday, July 8.

Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

Curb and gutter poured on Second Street and Main Street.

Curb and gutter poured on Second Street and Main Street.

Sidewalk closure on Second Street and Main Street.

Sidewalk closure on Second Street and Main Street.

June 14, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel are improving about 1 mile of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder.

Deck repairs on the bridge that spans the Little Boulder River have been completed. Traffic control signals have been removed.

This upcoming week, crews will be:

  • Continuing sidewalk excavation on Main Street.
  • Placing concrete for curb & gutter.
  • Updating the sidewalks with ADA ramps.

Please watch for workers when traveling through the project area and follow all posted signage. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

May 31, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand & Gravel will begin placing traffic control signage at the north end of Montana Highway 69 (MT 69), also known as Main Street, through Boulder, the week of June 3.

The week of June 3, travelers can expect:

  • Traffic control signage installation.
  • Shoulder closed for construction.
  • Sidewalk excavation.