Project Overview

The Great Falls Urban Pavement Preservation project will resurface approximately 3 miles of roadway in five locations to extend the surface life of the road and enhance safety features. This project will include new pavement markings, signage, sidewalk and curb adjustments, and one Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb reconstruction. Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and United Materials crews will work on all five locations concurrently.

The locations are as follows:

River Drive North:

• Work: Texas Underseal treatment from just north of Central Avenue West to 6th Street North, followed by a scrub seal treatment from 6th Street North to west of 9th Street North where asphalt meets concrete.
• Distance: Approximately 1 mile.
• Additional Work: Milling, paving, and new signage. ADA curb reconstruction where the River’s Edge Trail crosses the road (on the east side of the crossing).

Park Drive North:

• Work: Texas Underseal treatment from 8th Avenue North to 2nd Avenue North.
• Distance: Approximately half a mile.
• Additional Work: Milling, paving, and new signage. Removal and replacement of part of the curb and sidewalk at the southwest corner of Park Drive North and 6th Street North with a full-height curb, replacing the removed sidewalk with sod.

Park Drive North / 2nd Street South:

• Work: Scrub seal treatment from 1st Avenue North to the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and 2nd Street South, then continuing south on 2nd Street South to 10th Avenue South.
• Distance: Approximately 1 mile.

6th Street North:

• Work: Scrub seal treatment from 8th Avenue North to River Drive North, including turn lanes.
• Distance: 0.1 miles.

3rd Avenue South:

• Work: Scrub seal treatment from 2nd Street South to River Drive South.
• Distance: 0.1 miles.

Timeline

Work on the Great Falls Urban Pavement Preservation project will begin in late September. Weather and other unforeseen factors permitting, this work is anticipated to last through the end of 2024.

Impacts to the Public

Work will take place at all five locations throughout the project. Crews may work on multiple locations simultaneously and move between them as needed.

While work occurs, travelers should expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and intersection closures. Specific sections may be temporarily closed, and travelers may need to take alternate routes.

When traveling during construction season, watch for the “cone zone” and workers in the roadway. Crews spend their days working a short distance from moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down, and be careful as you pass through a work zone.

Engineer to English

Texas Underseal: A pavement preservation method used to enhance the durability of road surfaces by preventing moisture infiltration and delaying pavement deterioration. It involves applying a sealant beneath the pavement layer, which creates a moisture barrier, thereby extending the life of the roadway.

Scrub Seal: A road maintenance technique that involves applying a mixture of asphalt emulsion and fine aggregate to the pavement surface, which is then scrubbed into the existing asphalt with a broom-like device. This method seals cracks, rejuvenates the asphalt, and provides a new wearing surface.

Milling: A pavement rehabilitation process that involves removing a portion of the asphalt surface using specialized equipment called a milling machine. This process levels and smooths the roadway, removing damaged or deteriorated sections and preparing the surface for a new overlay or resurfacing.

MDT’s Partner in Progress

UPN 10247000