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

Project Timeline

In 2024, 37 bridges on US Highway 93 (US 93), Secondary Highway 269 (S 269), Secondary Highway 203 (S 203), and Bell Crossing West were rehabilitated.

Improvements included:

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

Each bridge was evaluated and received improvements based on need.

In 2025, crews will return to complete rehabilitation on a bridge on Secondary Highway 531 (S 531) west of Hamilton. This bridge will be rehabilitated including a crack seal on the deck and new pavement markings. This work is anticipated to take a few weeks to complete.

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

Crews completed work on 37 of the 38 bridges in 2024. In 2025, crews will return to complete work on the S 531 bridge west of Hamilton. When work resumes, motorists can expect:

  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction with traffic controlled by flaggers or temporary signals.
  • 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 began in summer 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2025.

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