Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is developing plans to rehabilitate one bridge and replace two bridges in the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 (I-90) west of Alberton in Mineral County. The bridges carry Interstate 90 over:

• Old Highway 10 and Elizabeth Lane approximately ten miles west of Alberton
• Clark Fork River near Alberton Gorge approximately nine miles west of Alberton
• Clark Fork River near Cyr approximately five miles west of Alberton

These bridge improvements will serve Montana and the traveling public well into the future, providing low-maintenance features, and enhanced safety improvements to meet anticipated transportation needs. Design plans include:

• Painting portions of the I-90 Elizabeth Lane Bridge below the bridge deck (driving surface) to slow corrosion.
• Replacing the westbound I-90 Cyr Bridge and upgrading guardrails and drainage.
• Replacing the westbound I-90 Alberton Gorge Bridge and upgrading guardrails and drainage.

Why

The bridges were originally constructed in 1965 and although they are still safe to travel on, they have aged to the extent that replacing two of the bridges is needed. In certain situations, MDT is able to rehabilitate a structure instead of replacing it. Rehabilitation involves a structure having one or more components which still have a substantial amount of service life remaining. However, the steel beams called girders on the I-90 Cyr Bridge and I-90 Alberton Gorge Bridge have aged to the point that rehabilitation or spot repairs are no longer cost-effective, practical solutions. The improved bridge structures will serve Montana and the traveling public well into the future, providing low-maintenance improvements and enhanced safety features to meet anticipated transportation needs.

I-90 Clark Fork River Bridge/Cyr

I-90 Clark Fork River Bridge/Alberton Gorge

Anticipated Schedule

MDT is currently in the project design development process and will update the public at key points throughout the design process. The design plans are anticipated to be completed in 2025. Construction is dependent on the availability of funding and will be scheduled once the design plans are finalized.

Stay Involved

The public will be notified about public involvement opportunities through the project website, local media, mailings, social media and other communication channels. Public input will help guide MDT in the design and construction of the bridge improvements. MDT plans to engage key project stakeholders and the public to gain information that will be used in the planning process.

UPN 9786000