MDT safety project beginning on I-90 near Deer Lodge
From an MDT Press Release
DEER LODGE - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) is starting construction on a project to improve safety along Interstate 90 (I 90) beginning near the Racetrack Interchange and continuing south about half a mile.
The planned improvements to I 90 include:
Removing the abandoned railroad bridge structures south of the Racetrack
Interchange (Exit 195).
Grading the steep slopes on the side of the interstate.
Lowering the elevation of the roadway to be closer to the valley floor.
“The steep slopes on the side of the interstate can be dangerous if a car travels off the road in this area,” said Jeff Harrison, MDT Engineering Project Manager. “The project will lower the elevation of the interstate to help enhance roadway safety features for travelers on this stretch of I 90.”
During construction, motorists should expect:
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
East and westbound traffic will travel on the same side of the interstate for approximately 1 mile.
Speed limits will be reduced.
Width and length restrictions will be in place (visit www.511mt.net for the most up-to-date information).
Oversized loads will be staged and piloted through the project area.
Temporary ramp closures at the Racetrack Interchange.
Construction is expected to be substantially completed in the fall. Crews will return in
2024 to seal and cover (chip seal) the roadway and to apply final pavement markings. Chip seal and pavement marking work is only expected to take a few weeks to complete.
For the safety of the public and construction workers, MDT encourages motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down, and use caution through work zones.
If you’d like to sign up to receive email notifications about construction activities, email
Andy@rbci.net. To receive text notifications, text ‘RACETRACK’ to 866-434-0866 (toll-
free*). Questions and comments can be directed to Andy Barsness at Andy@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350.
*Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy by visiting: https://simpletexting.com/privacy-policy/
Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.
Keep Your Focus on the Task at Hand: Driving!
Distracted driving is dangerous and involves any activity that takes your attention away from the task at hand and the road ahead. This includes using a mobile device, eating, drinking, talking or tending to passengers in your vehicle, adjusting your vehicle’s entertainment or navigation system, or anything that disrupts your focus.
Text messaging or other communication with an electronic device while driving is one of the most common distracted driving behaviors. Many drivers don’t realize how deadly these actions can be but sending or reading a mobile message physically takes your eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds. When driving at 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. If your attention is on anything other than driving and the road ahead, you put yourself, your passengers, and other roadway users at risk. Help keep our roads safe for everyone by putting distractions aside every time you operate a motor vehicle. Learn more about safe driving behaviors and how you can help Montana reach the goal of Vision Zero at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/ .
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