Project Overview
Through the Timber Bridges – Glasgow Area project, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partners, Sletten Construction and Morrison-Maierle, have been working to replace 16 timber bridges in northeastern Montana. Areas impacted include US Highway 2 (US 2) between Hinsdale and Glasgow, Montana Highway 24 (MT 24) between Glasgow and Opheim, Montana Highway 248 (MT 248) between Opheim and Scobey, and Montana Highway 251 (MT 251) between Poplar and Flaxville.
Seven bridges were replaced in 2023 and eight in 2024. The final bridge to be replaced as part of the project, the West Fork Popular River Bridge on MT 248, 2 miles east of Richland, will be completed in 2025.
Montana’s aging timber bridges have a limited service life remaining; replacing them is a top priority for MDT. These structures are vital to keeping our communities connected and our economy moving forward. MDT is proactively investing in replacing this aging infrastructure through an innovative bridge bundling program. The Glasgow-area bridges are being replaced as a bundle through this program.
Utilizing a design-build contract, the consultant design firm Morrison-Maierle has been working alongside Sletten Construction from the start of the project, allowing the bundled projects to move more efficiently from design to construction-ready. This partnership has allowed the project team to develop better solutions, reduce project costs, and maintain quality while expediting project delivery.
Current Replacement Activity:
MDT and Sletten Construction will begin work this spring to replace the West Fork Poplar River Bridge on MT 248, 2 miles east of Richland.
Crews will also return this summer to seal and cover (chip seal) and install the final pavement markings at all the bridge replacement sites located on MT 248, US 2, MT 24, and MT 251.
Minimal traffic disruption is expected. Traffic control will be on-site, speed limits reduced, and shoulder closures in place throughout the construction zones. Brief, single-lane road closures will be periodically required.
Visit the Project Update page for the latest news on progress and possible traffic impacts.
The Timber Bridges-Glasgow Area project is expected to be completed this summer.
Stay in the Know
Regularly scheduled email, webpage, and text updates will be available during construction. To sign up for updates, or if you have questions or concerns, email
Bridge Replacement Locations and Schedule
The schedule, order of bridge replacement, and timeline may change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
UPN 9885