Public invited to learn more about construction on the MT 1 Slope Stability Project

From a Montana Department of Transportation press release

ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is inviting the public to learn more about upcoming work on Montana Highway 1 (MT 1) near Georgetown Lake.

Two virtual open houses will be held online via Zoom on September 1 from Noon to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. To register for a virtual open house and get more information about the project, visit the project website at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mt1ss/.

These events are an opportunity for the public to learn more about construction and engage with MDT staff and the contractor. Both open houses will provide identical information.

“While this road continues to be safe to drive on, our inspections identified some potential hazards that need to be addressed this fall,” said MDT Missoula District Construction Engineer, John Schmidt. “This project has been on an accelerated schedule to get a contractor hired and working as quickly as possible. We are looking forward to sharing more information and connecting with the community at the open houses.”

MDT maintains rockfall mitigation structures such as fences, netting and barriers to increase motorist safety while traveling on Montana’s roads and highways. MDT is taking proactive safety measures along MT 1 where rockfall hazards are a concern. The project is anticipated to begin in September and be substantially completed this fall. The work will include repair or replacement of existing rockfall mitigation structures and removal of potentially hazardous unstable rock material. Additional work will include cleaning out the roadside ditch and removing and resetting signs.

“Work to remove the rocks from the side of a mountain can be dangerous for the workers and the public,” said Schmidt. “We are taking precaution to keep everyone safe and informed during construction.”

To sign up for construction email updates, text SLOPE to 22828. To sign up for text message updates, text SLOPE to (866) 434-0866 (toll-free). Questions and comments can be sent to brandon@rbci.net or by phone at (406) 284-1500.

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/.

The Department of Transportation will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the MT 1 Slope Stability public meetings or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the Department of Transportation no later than August 29, 2022, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Matt Maze, Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620; telephone (406) 444-5416; Montana Relay 711; facsimile (406) 444-7243; or e-mail to mmaze@mt.gov.