The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partners, Sletten Construction and engineering consultant Morrison-Maierle, began replacing five timber bridges near the Lewistown area in June.
Four of the bridges are in Fergus County on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81) and one is in Wheatland County on Secondary Highway 297 (S 297).
"Replacing these aging bridges is an important investment for this growing region," said Mike Taylor, MDT Billings District Administrator. "The project will enhance infrastructure safety and reliability for communities and businesses across central Montana."
The following bridges are being replaced:
Fergus County
• Dry Wolf Creek Bridge on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81), 6 miles southeast of Denton
• Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 6 mi. west of Brooks
• Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 5 mi. west of Brooks
• Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 4 mi. west of Brooks
Wheatland County
• Deadman's Basin Canal Bridge on Secondary Highway 297 (S 297), 1 mi. north of Shawmut
These bridge replacements are the first phase of the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures project that will replace 11 regional timber bridges through 2028. Phase two of the project is scheduled to begin in 2027.
"Our team is looking forward to getting started on these important improvements," said Russ Robertson, vice president of the Bridge Division for Sletten Construction. "We appreciate the community's patience and ask drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones to help keep everyone safe." ♣
