Dodson South Canal logo

Road Closure Update
Secondary Highway 204 (S 204), commonly known as Stage Road, has reopened. Single-lane traffic should be expected during the remaining work on the Milk River Bridge guardrail this fall/winter.

Construction will resume in spring 2025.

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Wickens Construction have rehabilitated the Milk River Bridge and replaced the bridge over the Dodson South Canal, which is located approximately 2 miles south of Dodson on Secondary Highway 204 (S 204).

The old Dodson South Canal bridge was in poor condition and was replaced with a 14-foot by 10-foot double-cell concrete box culvert to maintain the safety and effectiveness of the route. The new culvert allowed for construction of gradual roadway slopes and the removal of the guardrail. This improvement aims to enhance safety features and reduce roadway maintenance.

In addition to the bridge replacement, the Milk River Bridge was rehabilitated and a pavement preservation project on S 204 between the Dodson South Canal and US Highway 2 (US 2) is expected to be completed in 2025. This work will include safety improvements and resurfacing of the roadway to extend the service life of the existing surface.

This project includes three phases:

  • The Milk River Bridge rehabilitation is complete. The guardrail is expected to be installed this fall/winter.
  • The Dodson South Canal bridge replacement is mostly complete, the roadway over the new box culvert will be paved and striped in spring 2025.
  • The roadway reconstruction between the Dodson South Canal and US 2 will begin in the spring of 2025.

When construction resumes, traffic control and single-lane closures can be expected.

Project Map

Dodson South Canal map

Construction Photos

Pouring the deck on the Milk River Bridge

Pouring the deck on the Milk River Bridge.

Grooving the deck on the Milk River Bridge

Grooving the deck on the Milk River Bridge.

Wickens Construction Inc logo Slow for the cone zone

UPN 9553001, 10226000