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Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is rehabilitating the westbound bridge that carries Interstate 90 (I-90) over the Clark Fork River, eight miles west of Alberton. MDT and Morrison-Maierle are developing plans to replace the westbound Alberton Gorge Bridge with an entirely new structure as part of a future project. The bridge is safe to drive on but needs immediate short-term repairs to extend the service life of the bridge until a future project replaces the structure. MDT and Frontier West will begin the repair work in September and expect to be completed in early November 2023.

Repair work includes:

  • Replacing bridge bearings.
  • Repairing a steel bridge beam called a girder.
  • Constructing traffic crossovers for managing traffic during repairs and the future replacement project.
Alberton Gorge project map

Why can’t MDT replace the bridge now?

MDT is unable to replace the structure at this time because the final design plans and funding are not yet available. The process of developing plans, permitting, and securing funding for a full bridge replacement can take several years to complete.

I-90 westbound Alberton Gorge Bridge

I-90 westbound Alberton Gorge Bridge.

What to expect during construction

Frontier West will use crossover traffic patterns to ensure I-90 traffic does not stop during construction.

Crossover traffic pattern example

Crossover traffic pattern example.

I-90 travelers can expect:

  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • Both east and westbound traffic will travel on the same side of I-90.
  • Speed limits will be reduced.
  • Width and length restrictions will be in place (visit www.511mt.net for the most up-to-date information).

Westbound Crystal Springs Exit CLOSED
The westbound Crystal Springs Exit (Exit 65) will be closed for approximately two months beginning in October.

  • To access the westbound Crystal Springs Exit, use the Tarkio Interchange (Exit 61), return to the interstate traveling eastbound, then exit at the eastbound Crystal Springs Exit (Exit 65).
  • Traffic will be able to enter the interstate at the westbound Crystal Springs Exit.

Clark Fork River
The river will remain open, but signage may direct river traffic to one side of the river at certain times.

Sign up for Construction Updates

For text/SMS updates: Text ALB90 to 866-434-0866 (toll-free)*

For email updates, contact Brandon at brandonXYZrbciABCnet to sign up.

Call the project phone line: 406-465-3350.

Current construction information and road conditions can be found on the MDT Travel Info App.

* Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy.

UPN 9787000