Dillon-Interchange Road – Construction Updates

June 21, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

Crews expect to begin paving, striping, and installing guardrail on Interchange Road and applying a seal and cover (chip seal) on Interstate 15 (I-15) in Dillon, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. On Interchange Road, drivers can continue to expect temporary traffic lights alternating one-way traffic and minor delays when traveling through the project area. A 14-foot width restriction remains in place. Crews are chip sealing between the south I-15 interchange in Dillon and the Apex interchange, 11 miles north. On I-15, drivers can expect a 16-foot width restriction between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., a single-lane closure and reduced speeds.

Please follow all posted signage and watch for workers when traveling through construction zones.

June 14, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

The week of June 17, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC are expected to begin milling Interchange Road in Dillon, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. Drivers can continue to expect temporary traffic lights alternating one-way traffic and minor delays when traveling through the project area. A 14-foot width restriction remains in place.

June 4, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC continue to work on the north lane of the bridge while the concrete barrier rail cures. Drivers can still expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

May 17, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC have shifted traffic to the south side of the bridge while they work on the north side. Drivers can still expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

New concrete lane on the bridge.

May 10, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC plan to complete concrete barrier rail next week and shift traffic to the south side of the bridge, weather permitting. Drivers can still expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

May 3, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC will pour the concrete barrier rail on the south lane of the bridge the week of May 6, weather permitting. Drivers can expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

Insert the photo titled, “Concrete pump reach.jpg” and insert the caption same as the alt text, “Concrete pump truck stretching across the bridge.”

Insert the photo titled, “Smoothing concrete.jpg” and insert the caption same as the alt text, “Crews smoothing concrete on the bridge.”

April 25, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC will pour one lane of the new bridge deck the week of April 29, weather permitting. The new concrete will need to cure for 7 days. Drivers can expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

April 19, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC will prepare to pour the new bridge deck the week of April 22. Drivers can expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

April 9, 2024

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC are beginning to improve North Interchange Road. Crews anticipate starting work April 15. Drivers can expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction is in place.

September 9, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

Beginning September 11, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand and Gravel will be completing general cleanup work downtown. Work will be paused on Interstate 15 (I 15). Minimal traffic impacts are anticipated at both locations.

September 1, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

Construction activities will pause for the Labor Day holiday weekend and resume on Tuesday, September 5. Beginning September 5, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand and Gravel will be sweeping Helena Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in downtown Dillon. Permanent markings will be placed immediately afterwards.

August 25, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. have substantially completed milling and paving operations on Interstate (I 15). The week of August 28, crews will be performing bump grinding operations to smooth the surface of I 15. Traffic control is in place. Expect single-lane closures through the project area.

August 17, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. have substantially completed milling and paving operations on Interstate (I 15). The north Dillon Interchange (Exit 63) is now open. Crews plan to complete seal and cover (chip seal) operations next year on I 15. In coming weeks, sweeping and final epoxy striping work will occur downtown.

August 10, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

During the week of August 14, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc are paving the north Dillon interchange (Exit 63) on Interstate 15 (I 15), including the on and off ramps. Temporary pavement markings will be placed following paving operations. Traffic control is in place on I 15. Drivers should expect single-lane traffic and reduced speeds between mile markers 63 and 65.

Beginning August 10, the north I 15 interchange is closed for paving. Drivers must use the south interchange (Exit 62) during the closure. Detour signs are in place.

August 3, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The week of August 7, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. are continuing milling and paving operations on Interstate 15 (I 15), weather permitting. Traffic control is in place. Drivers should expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds throughout the project area.

The northern I 15 interchange is expected to be closed August 10 through 16. Drivers will be routed to the southern interchange.

July 27, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting Inc. are continuing to improve two areas in the Dillon region.

Week of July 31:

• Work is nearing completion downtown! Crews will return in approximately 30 to 45 days to complete final pavement markings. Traffic control has been removed in this project area.
• Milling and paving operations continue on Interstate 15 (I 15), weather permitting. Expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds.

The northern I 15 interchange is expected to be closed August 10-16. Drivers will be routed to the southern interchange.

July 21, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting Inc. anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of July 24:

• Crews are conducting seal and cover (chip seal) operations and adding temporary pavement markings downtown. This is a moving operation.
• Milling and paving activities continue on Interstate 15 (I 15) with traffic control in place. Expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds.

July 14, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting Inc. anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of July 17:

• Crews continue to pave and will smooth the surface afterwards.
• Median placement on Helena Avenue is scheduled to be completed by early in the week. The concrete median will be a red brick pattern and have no landscaping.
• Milling and paving continues on Interstate 15 (I 15) with single-lane closures and traffic control in place.

Milling on I 15.

July 7, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of July 10:

• Paving is planned to begin on Helena Avenue and Atlantic Street.
• Milling/Paving continues on Interstate 15 (I 15) with single-lane closures and traffic control in place.

Crews paving on I 15.

June 30, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of July 3:

• Paving is planned to begin on downtown side streets.
• Pavement removal to begin on Interstate 15 (I 15) with single-lane closures and traffic control in place.
• No work is scheduled from July 1 to July 4. Have a happy Fourth of July!

June 23, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of June 26:

• The bridge work over the railroad has been completed.
• Pavement removal on the side streets has been completed and the operation will advance to Atlantic Street and Helena Avenue.
• Temporary lane markings will be applied in the final stages of pavement removal.
• There will be no work from July 1 to July 4.

June 16, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of June 19:

• The southbound ramps of Exit 63 are open.
• Bridge work is occurring over the railroad. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during this time and controlled by temporary stop lights.
• Tentatively, crews plan to begin removing the top layer of pavement starting with the side streets. New pavement will be replaced in the days following removal. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during this time. Stay tuned for updates regarding milling and paving activities.

June 9, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of June 12:

• The southbound ramps of the northern I 15 interchange will close Monday, June 12 for a few of weeks. Southbound travelers are guided to the southern interchange (Exit 62).
  • Northbound ramps and the northern interchange at Exit 62 will be open.
• Single-lane closures on the I 15 bridge have been removed and both lanes are open.
• Final landscaping tasks will take place along Atlantic Street.
• Atlantic Street detours and temporary traffic lights are removed and have returned to regular traffic patterns.

Week of June 19:

• The southbound ramps of the northern I 15 interchange (Exit 63) will remain closed for a few weeks. Southbound travelers are guided to the southern interchange (Exit 62).
• Tentatively, crews plan to begin removing the top layer of pavement on Helena Avenue. New pavement will be replaced in the days following removal.
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane.

Removing extra material at the persistent problem area on Atlantic near Sebree Street.

Backfilling the same area with a concrete mixture.

June 2, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather permitting:

Week of June 5:

• Atlantic Street traffic will be detoured around Reeder Street and Sebree Street beginning Monday, June 5.
• Bridge work over the railroad is complete. Traffic has returned to its normal pattern.
• Work on the Blacktail Deer Creek bridge has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
• I 15 bridge work continues over the Beaverhead River.
  • Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on I 15.
• Concrete work is nearing completion south of Orr Street.

Week of June 12:

• The southbound ramps of the northern I 15 interchange will close Monday, June 12 for a couple of weeks. To help guide southbound travelers, signage will be installed directly on I 15 and in town.
  • Northbound ramps will be open as well as the interchange at Exit 62.
• Final landscaping tasks will take place along Atlantic Street.

May 29, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather dependent:

Week of May 29:

• Construction activities will pause for Memorial Day and resume on Tuesday, May 30th.
• Bridge work continues over the Beaverhead River.
  • Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on Interstate 15 (I 15).
• Concrete work occurs in the median of East Helena Avenue and on the east side of Atlantic Street, south of Sebree Street.

Week of June 5:

• Bridge work continues over the Beaverhead River.
  • Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on I 15.
• Concrete work wraps up in the median of East Helena Avenue and continues on the east side of Atlantic Street, south of Orr Street.

Work occurs on I 15 while one lane is closed.

Sidewalk work on the corner of Glendale and Atlantic Street.

Work occurs on the bridge over the railroad.

May 19, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather dependent:

Week of May 22:

• Bridge work continues over the Beaverhead River.
  • Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on Interstate 15 (I 15).
• Work is wrapping up on the bridge over the railroad.
• Concrete work occurs on the east side of Atlantic Street between Helena Avenue and Sebree Street.

Week of May 29:

• Construction activities will pause for the Memorial Day holiday weekend and resume on Tuesday, May 30th.
• Bridge work continues over the Beaverhead River.
  • Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on I 15.
• Concrete work occurs in the median of East Helena Avenue.
• Concrete work continues on the east side of Atlantic Street south of Sebree Street.

Construction occurs on Helena Avenue.

Concrete work occurs on the bridge over the railroad

Traffic control set up on I 15.

May 11, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather dependent:

Week of May 15:

• Traffic control goes up on Interstate 15 (I 15) and bridge work begins over the Beaverhead River.
  • Travelers can expect one-lane closures.
• Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad.
  • Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights.
  • Temporary traffic lights may be removed by the weekend.
• Concrete work continues on Atlantic Street between Reeder and Cornell Street and should be complete by the end of the week.
  • Side street intersections closed to through traffic at Atlantic Street. Businesses along side streets will have access from Pacific Street or South Dakota Street.
  • Pedestrians can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

Week of May 22:

• Bridge work continues over the Beaverhead River.
  • Travelers can expect one-lane closures on I 15.
• Work is wrapping up on the bridge over the railroad.
• Concrete work continues on Atlantic Street south of Cornell Street.
• Median removal on East Helena Avenue may begin.

A hydromill removes concrete using pressurized water.

Sidewalk removal along East Helena Avenue.

May 5, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate the following construction activities, weather permitting:

Week of May 8:

• Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad.
  • Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights.
• Concrete work continues as crews work on sidewalk and curb removal and replacement along the north side of East Helena Avenue and the west side of Atlantic Street between Reeder Street and Cornell Street. Final concrete work wraps up between Center and Sebree Street.
  • Travelers can expect daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue and Atlantic Street. Both lanes will be open at night. Side street intersections closed at the north side of East Helena Avenue and the west side of Atlantic Street. For Helena Avenue, businesses along side streets will have access from East Virginia Street. For Atlantic Street, businesses along the side streets will have access from Pacific Street.
• Interstate 15 (I 15): Riverside Contracting is preparing to access materials to make asphalt.

Week of May 15:

• Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad.
  • Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights.
  • Temporary traffic lights may be removed by the weekend.
• Concrete work continues on Atlantic Street between Reeder and Cornell Street and should be complete by the end of the week.
  • Side street intersections closed to through traffic at Atlantic Street. Businesses along side streets will have access from Pacific Street or South Dakota Street.
  • Pedestrians can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

Riverside Contracting removing topsoil in preparation for making asphalt.

Business Access sign on Atlantic Street near Sebree Street.

Riverside Contracting working to prepare materials for making asphalt.

April 28, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand and Gravel anticipate working on the following, weather dependent:

Week of May 1:

• Completed concrete work: the sidewalks on the south side of East Helena Avenue.
  • The lane closure on East Helena Avenue has been removed. Cones may still be up around sidewalk corners as concrete cures.
• Works starts on street driveway tie-ins and patching asphalt gaps along East Helena Avenue.
• Travelers can continue to expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights while concrete cures.
• Concrete work: will continue on the west side of South Atlantic Street, with some sidewalk removal at intersection corners. Work is expected to go to Sebree Street.
  • No through traffic at the side street intersections with the west side of South Atlantic Street. This will be similar to the traffic control measures as East Helena Avenue.
  • Pedestrians: can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

Week of May 8:

• Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad.
  • Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights.
• Concrete work: continues as crews work on sidewalk and curb removal and replacement along the north side of East Helena Avenue.
  • Travelers can expect daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue. Both lanes will be open at night. Side street intersections closed at the north side of East Helena Avenue. Businesses along side streets will have access from East Virginia Street.
  • Pedestrians: can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

Sidewalk work at the corner of Pacific Street and East Helena Avenue.

Concrete being poured on the bridge above the railroad.

April 20, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

MDT and Helena Sand and Gravel anticipate working on the following, weather dependent:

Week of April 24:

• One lane of the bridge over the railroad and removing guardrail to prep for bridge surface replacement.
  • Traffic: single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights
• Concrete work: continuing sidewalk and curb removal and replacement along East Helena Avenue.
  • Traffic: daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue. Both lanes open at night. Side streets closed at East Helena Avenue intersections. Businesses along side streets will have access from East Center Street.
  • Pedestrians: partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

Week of May 1:

• Street driveway tie-ins along East Helena Avenue.
• Continue one lane of bridge work and begin bridge wall repair.
  • Traffic: single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights.
• Concrete work: begin to move from East Helena Avenue down South Atlantic Street with some sidewalk removal at intersection corners.
  • Traffic: Atlantic Street is expected to have similar traffic control measures as East Helena Avenue. Updates will be issued within the next few weeks.
  • Pedestrians: partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

Sidewalk demolition

Sidewalk closed sign

Traffic light on bridge

April 4, 2023

Construction Look Ahead:

Beginning the third week of April, MDT and Helena Sand and Gravel anticipate working on the following, weather dependent:

• Storm drain inlet protection along East Helena Avenue and South Atlantic Street.
• Start bridge work at the South Atlantic Street railroad crossing.
  • Traffic: single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights
• Concrete work: partial sidewalk and curb removal, including replacement along East Helena Avenue.
  • Traffic: daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue. Both lanes open at night. Side streets closed at East Helena Avenue intersections. Businesses along side streets will have access from East Center Street.
  • Pedestrians: partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

The last week of April:

• One lane of the bridge over the railroad and removing guardrail to prep for bridge surface replacement.
  • Traffic: single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights.
• Concrete work: continuing sidewalk and curb removal and replacement along East Helena Avenue.
  • Traffic: daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue. Both lanes open at night. Side streets closed at East Helena Avenue intersections. Businesses along side streets will have access from East Center Street.
  • Pedestrians: partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.