Upcoming Freeway Bridge Construction To Slow Traffic Near Alberton

The work is being planned at night. But even so, the latest work on a big freeway bridge is bound to slow your travel west of Missoula, starting next week.

This specific work is the latest in a major project that started last year to rebuild the long span over the Clark Fork River 6 miles east of Alberton.

Montana Department of Transportation says contractors will have to use stop-and-go traffic and drive very slowly to keep from damaging the new bridge deck.

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The construction zone has already slowed traffic for a second summer

The work on the bridge is part of a multi-year effort to rebuild dozens of bridges between Missoula and the Montana-Idaho border that started more than 15 years ago. Those original bridges date back to I-90's construction in the early 1970s.

This year, contractors returned to the scene and have been rebuilding the eastbound bridge west of the Nine Mile Interchange, the second half of the project they started last year. That's meant single-lane traffic, but for the most part, drivers haven't had to stop.

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Now they will

Starting next week, contractor Frontier West will be placing a new concrete surface on the eastbound bridge and MDT says traffic will have to slow to 5 miles per hour for a 24-hour period for the new concrete to be set properly. The bridge can be used, but higher speeds would cause vibrations that could damage the surface.

The concrete will be placed in sections, on July 23rd, 25th and 30th, and then on August 1st, 6th, 8th, and 9th.

All work at night

The state says drivers should expect stop-and-go traffic and delays, with single-lane traffic in both directions. Wide loads over 12 feet will need a pilot car on weekdays and must be staged by 7 am. Arrangements can be made by calling Poteet Construction at 406-360-8187.