South of Missoula Bridge Preservation logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group are rehabilitating 38 bridges between Missoula and Sula. This project begins at Buckhouse Bridge just south of Missoula and ends just north of Sula. The purpose of this project is to repair and seal the bridge decks to increase their service life in a cost-effective manner.

project map for the South of Missoula Bridge Preservation project

This project will rehabilitate bridges on US Highway 93 (US 93), Secondary Highway 269 (S 269), Secondary Highway 531 (S 531), Secondary Highway 203 (S 203), and Bell Crossing West.

Planned improvements include:

  • Repairing bridge decks and joints.
  • Sealing cracks on the bridge decks.
  • Smoothing bridge-roadway approaches.
  • Adding new pavement markings.

Each bridge has been evaluated and will receive improvements based on need.

Why is the project needed?

MDT identified 38 bridges constructed between 1949 and 2011 that are in need of repairs and rehabilitation. This project will extend the service life of these bridges and provide a smoother driving surface for many years to come.

What to expect during construction

Traffic control will vary on a case-by-case basis for individual bridges. Many of the bridges are two-lane bridges with one lane in each direction and others are four-lane bridges with two lanes in each direction. Individual bridges may have the following traffic control based on need:

  • Single-lane traffic controlled by flaggers on bridges with one lane traveling in each direction.
  • Four-lane bridges reduced to two lanes with crossover traffic patterns in place.
  • Reduced speed limits.
  • Delays up to 15 minutes.
  • Wide loads may be restricted on a case-by-case basis. Visit 511mt.net for the most up to date information.

Work is anticipated to begin in summer 2024 and be completed in a single construction season, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting.

Stay Informed During Construction

MDT will notify the public about traffic impacts and work activities through the project website, local media, social media, and email and text notifications during construction.

Current construction information and road conditions can be found on the MDT Travel Info App.

UPN 9820000