Hudson Bay Divide South – US 89 Roadway Improvements logo

July 17, 2023

Seal and cover (chip seal) operations are complete.

The Montana Department of Transportation and Schellinger Construction will return in late August or early September to complete the final epoxy striping (roadway markings).

July 10, 2023

Seal and cover (chip seal) operations are tentatively scheduled for July 10th, weather permitting.

Flaggers, traffic signals, and pilot cars will guide travelers through the work zone. Pilot cars will continue through the night and into the following day until pavement striping has been completed.

Chip sealing is used to extend the life of the roadway, keep water from penetrating the pavement, and enhance roadway safety features.

July 5, 2023

Work is paused until July 10th, and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) hopes you all had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.

The placement of erosion control blankets has been completed, and last week MDT and Schellinger Construction completed the polymer overlay on the Milk River Bridge deck.

Seal and cover operations (chip seal) are tentatively scheduled for July 10th, weather permitting. Chip sealing is used to extend the life of the roadway, keep water from penetrating the pavement, and enhance roadway safety features.

June 26, 2023

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Schellinger Construction crews are expected to complete erosion blanket installation this week.

On Thursday and Friday, MDT and Schellinger will begin work on the polymer overlay for the South Fork Milk River Bridge deck, requiring pilot cars and flaggers during work operations from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Bridge deck polymer overlay is used to seal and protect the bridge deck from anything that may cause deterioration.

June 21, 2023

This week, work on the Hudson Bay Divide South project will consist of placing erosion control blankets on the shoulder of the roadway and installing rumble strips.

Rumble strip installation will begin on Wednesday and continue through the week. Motorists should expect pilot cars and flaggers controlling traffic.

Expect a 35 mph speed zone during work hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., weather permitting.

June 12, 2023

This week, The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Schellinger Construction crews are not planning any activities, due to forecasted inclement weather. Work will resume the week of June 19th, weather permitting.

June 7, 2023

This week, The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Schellinger Construction crews will work on sign and fence installation, seeding operations, and slope mitigation. Travelers should expect reduced speeds throughout the work zone, as well as flaggers and pilot cars. Crews will be working from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Travelers should expect brief delays.

May 30, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Schellinger Construction will begin fencing within the project area. Travelers can expect reduced speeds in effect along portions of the project.

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.

May 22, 2023

No work is scheduled for this week on the Hudson Bay Divide project.

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.

May 15, 2023

Approach paving will begin Wednesday and be completed Friday, weather permitting.

There will be a reduced speed limit of 35 mph. There will be flaggers and signals at both ends of the project, and pilot cars will guide travelers through the work zones.

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.

May 8, 2023

Motorists can expect some crews on-site this week to maintain and clean up the construction site. Please note the 50-mph speed limit on this stretch of US Highway 89 (US 89).

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.

October 17, 2022

Paving operations will resume on Monday, weather permitting. Four miles of the roadway is paved, with a little under a mile remaining as gravel. Completing the paving on the main highway will take about two and a half days.

Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Other work activities will be seeding, permanent erosion control installation, and topsoil operations. Motorists should expect machinery on the roadway, single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays.

October 3, 2022

Schellinger Construction will continue paving this week. Gravel operations will wrap up this week, and traffic is scheduled to be moved off the detour and onto the new bridge. All activities are weather dependent.

Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Motorists should expect machinery on the roadway, single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays.

Crews will also be placing topsoil, working on the side slopes, and fencing.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be from 7 am to 7 pm Monday-Friday, and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

September 19, 2022

This week, travelers will experience graveled surfaces for the entire project length.

Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Motorists should expect machinery on the roadway, single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays.

Crews will continue finishing the gravel surface throughout the project and placing topsoil. Fencing operations and paving will begin this week, schedule and weather permitting.

Crews have completed the installation of box culverts and poured the new bridge deck.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be from 7 am to 8 pm Monday-Friday, and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

August 29, 2022

This week, travelers should expect graveled surfaces for the entire project length.

Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations. This week, crews are planning to pour the concrete for the new bridge deck; heavy rain prevented this activity last week.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be 7 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, and 7 am to noon on Friday. Crews will be off the road for Labor day from noon on Friday to 7 am on Tuesday.

August 22, 2022

This week, work remains much the same. Travelers should expect four miles of graveled surfaces along this stretch of US 89. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations. This week, crews are planning to pour the concrete for the new bridge deck, weather and schedule depending.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be 7 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

August 15, 2022

This week, work remains much the same as last week. Travelers should expect four miles of graveled surfaces along this stretch of US 89. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations. This week, crews are planning to pour the concrete for the new bridge deck, weather and schedule depending.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

August 8, 2022

This week, work remains much the same as last week. Travelers should expect 3 miles of graveled surfaces along this stretch of US 89. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations.

August 1, 2022

Travelers should expect 3 miles of graveled surfaces along this stretch of US 89. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should exercise extreme caution or consider an alternate route. This week, the contractor will be pouring concrete for the new bridge structure.

Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

July 26, 2022

Travelers should expect grooved surfaces along this stretch of US 89. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should exercise extreme caution or consider an alternate route. This week, the contractor will bring in more equipment and trucks to move more dirt.

Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

July 22, 2022

This week, milling has been completed, so travelers should expect grooved surfaces. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will also install and reroute traffic onto several gravel detours around box culvert installations. Work setting bridge beams for the new bridge over the South Fork Milk River may begin this week, schedule and weather permitting.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should exercise extreme caution or consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

July 11, 2022

This week, crews will continue running scrapers and installing culverts. They will also continue milling, so travelers should expect grooved surfaces. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. A few sections will also see total asphalt removal, so expect some gravel surfaces. Crews will also install several gravel detours around box culvert installations.

Motorists should watch for rocks and debris on the road, and motorcyclists should exercise extreme caution or consider an alternate route.

Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

June 20, 2022

Due to inclement weather much of last week, crews on the Hudson Bay Divide Project are still running scrapers and working on the installation of new culverts. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide motorists through work zones. Be aware of loose gravel and rocks on the road, especially on the bridge detour. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, weather permitting.

June 10, 2022

Next week, crews will continue running scrapers and they will also begin installation of new culverts. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide motorists through work zones. Be aware of loose gravel and rocks on the road, especially on the bridge detour. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday.

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.

May 31, 2022

This week, crews will continue hauling special barrow and running scrapers. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Be aware of loose gravel and rocks on the road. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will install the barrier rail for the detour around the bridge on Tuesday. Once that is in, crews will put gravel down and switch traffic over to the detour on Thursday. Expect loose gravel through that detour. Bridge removal operations should commence on Thursday or Friday.

Work hours will be 7 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday.

May 23, 2022

This week, crews will continue hauling special barrow and running scrapers. Motorists should expect scraper crossings and machinery on the road. Pilot cars will guide folks through work zones. Be aware of loose gravel and rocks on the road. Expect single-lane traffic, signal lights, flaggers, and short delays. Crews will be driving pile Monday and Tuesday for the temporary bridge, so motorists should expect noise and vibrations. Construction of the temporary bridge will continue throughout the week.

Work hours will be 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday. Crews will be off the road by 2 pm on Friday for Memorial Day weekend and won’t resume operations until Tuesday the following week.

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 always to 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 if 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 16, 2022

Construction activities continue this week. Crews are on the route continuing scraper operations, hauling special barrow, and completing other miscellaneous preparation work. Flaggers are directing traffic with signal lights and pilot cars to get folks through the construction zones.

Expect single lanes and 35 mph speeds through the work zone with short delays.

May 9, 2022

Construction activities will begin in the next week, with crews stripping topsoil and constructing a detour in preparation for a new bridge. Travelers can expect reduced speed limits (35 mph) and single-lane traffic controlled by traffic signals, flaggers, and pilot cars. Motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Hours of work operations will be 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Project Manager Joe Grosswiler of the MDT Great Falls District and Schellinger Construction would like to remind the public to watch for the ‘cone zone’ and workers on the highway when traveling during construction season. “Road crews spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles. While they make every effort to work safely, they count on motorists to pay attention, slow down, and be careful as traffic passes through work zones.”