Project Overview
The East of Zurich to Harlem project will reconstruct 7 miles of US Highway 2 (US 2) between Zurich and Harlem. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partner, Wickens Construction, will construct improvements that enhance roadway safety features, improve access to local communities and industries, including agriculture, and provide a smoother driving surface for US 2 travelers.
The project will begin at the intersection with Eight Mile Road, 4 miles east of Zurich, and end just west of Harlem (at Thirty Mile Road).
This section of US 2 will be widened to achieve a modern, 40-foot top-width roadway, including 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders. The project will also add 2 miles of passing lanes in both directions, install new culverts, and adjust side slopes and ditches.
Because this project is located on the Milk River floodplain, MDT has selected a context-sensitive design to ensure that highway reconstruction is environmentally friendly.
MDT Hydraulics has been working with Blaine County to prevent impacts to mapped floodplains. This includes designing steepened roadside slopes that reduce right-of-way requirements and minimize impacts on the canal, railroad, and wetlands.
Impacts to US 2 Travelers
Updated March 31, 2025
In 2025, travelers should expect reduced speeds, single-lane traffic, flaggers, signal lights, pilot cars directing traffic, loose gravel, and rough driving surfaces.
MDT will work closely with the traveling public to ensure that wide loads, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, mail delivery, business accesses, and school bus routes are accommodated throughout construction.
Project Location
East of Zurich to Harlem Project Map
Click on the image for a larger view.
Previous Nearby Projects
- Lohman East & West: 10 miles of roadway reconstruction with four bridges. Constructed 2019-2021.
- Chinook to Harlem Culverts: Culvert repair and replacement. Constructed 2021.
Upcoming Nearby Projects
- Chinook E: 6 miles of roadway reconstruction with ten bridges. Construction beyond 2024. Visit the project website.
- Zurich East & West: 7 miles of roadway reconstruction with four bridges. Construction beyond 2024. Visit the project website.
Project Timeline and Cost
Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024 and last approximately two construction seasons. Based on the typical cost of similar projects, which range between $2 million and $3 million per mile to build, the project is estimated to cost between $14 million and $21 million.
NH 1-2(55)417
UPN 9221000