September 4, 2026
Active construction nears completion on U.S. Highway 2 (US 2) near Essex. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Schellinger Construction thank you for your understanding as they conclude pavement preservation on approximately 12 miles of roadway, beginning near Stanton Creek and extending southeast to just beyond the Middle Fork Flathead River bridge.
As of Friday, September 4, crews have completed Essex Bridge work, guardrail upgrades, and signage installation. Traffic control will be removed from the roadway over the next few weeks and will return briefly during cleanup operations. Cleanup has not yet been scheduled. More information will be provided as this work approaches.
Labor Day Schedule: In observance of Labor Day, crews will not be onsite Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7.
August 21, 2026
Thank you for your continued patience during active construction on U.S. Highway 2 (US 2) near Essex. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Schellinger Construction are making great progress on improving approximately 12 miles of roadway, beginning near Stanton Creek and extending southeast to just beyond the Middle Fork Flathead River bridge.
Project milling, paving, rumble strip, seal and cover (chip seal), and fog seal activities have concluded.
Starting the week of August 24, crews will be repairing the Essex bridge, upgrading guardrail, and adding signage.
Please continue to expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds in active work zones. Traffic signals and pilot cars are directing traffic. All roadwork will take place during the day, however, there will be 24-hour traffic control during bridge work.
MDT's Stanton – Essex Pavement Preservation project moved to a new text service on August 1. To sign up for updates on the new service, text STANTONESSEX to 406-302-9922.
*Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to unsubscribe. Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information, see this site.
August 14, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Schellinger Construction, continues active roadwork on U.S. Highway 2 (US 2) near Essex. Once complete, this project will improve approximately 12 miles of roadway, beginning near Stanton Creek and extending southeast to just beyond the Middle Fork Flathead River bridge.
Project milling, paving, and rumble strip activities have concluded.
Starting the week of August 17, crews will be applying a seal and cover (chip seal) and fog seal (preventative maintenance surface treatment) to this section of US 2. Roadwork will occur during the day.
Please expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds in active work zones. Traffic signals and pilot cars are directing traffic. Use caution when traveling through the project area.
Additional updates will be provided as construction progresses.
August 7, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Schellinger Construction, continues active roadwork on U.S. Highway 2 (US 2) near Essex.
The Stanton – Essex Pavement Preservation project will improve approximately 12 miles of roadway, beginning near Stanton Creek and extending southeast to just beyond the Middle Fork Flathead River bridge.
Milling and paving has concluded as of this week. Starting the week of August 10, crews anticipate installing rumble strips and updating signage within the work zone. Roadwork will take place during the day.
Motorists should continue to expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds in active work zones. Traffic signals and pilot cars are directing traffic. Please use caution when traveling through the project area.
Over the next few months, work on this project includes applying a seal and cover (chip seal), installing rumble strips, completing bridge repairs, updating pavement markings, and upgrading guardrail. These improvements will help extend the life of the roadway, enhance safety, and provide a more reliable travel experience for everyone who uses this corridor.
Additional updates will be provided as construction progresses.
July 17, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Schellinger Construction, will kick off guardrail replacement, milling, and paving on U.S. Highway 2 (US 2) near Essex.
The Stanton – Essex Pavement Preservation project will improve approximately 12 miles of roadway, beginning near Stanton Creek and extending southeast to just beyond the Middle Fork Flathead River bridge.
Starting Sunday, July 19 at 7 p.m., active construction will take place 24-hours a day. Milling operations will occur overnight Sunday night through Thursday night, with paving during the week, Monday through Friday.
Milling and paving will create additional wait times for motorists. Please plan for at least 15-minute delays when traveling through the work zone. Crews will be milling and paving starting at the west end of the project and will move east over the next few weeks.
Motorists should expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds in active work zones. Please follow posted signage and use caution when traveling through the project area.
The project team recognizes that U.S. Highway 2 is a major route for visitors traveling to and from Glacier National Park. MDT is working to minimize disruptions as much as possible while safely and efficiently completing critical roadway improvements.
If you have questions or concerns, please email Becca at