Project Overview
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Knife River are rehabilitating approximately three miles of Interstate 90 (I-90) in Bozeman. This project begins near the Rouse Avenue overpass and extends to the Fort Ellis Road overpass. In addition to the I-90 mainline, all the ramps on the Main Street Interchange (Exit 309) will be resurfaced as part of this project. Work is anticipated to begin in April and be completed in August.
Project Map
Click the image for a larger view.
Planned improvements:
- Removing and replacing the asphalt pavement.
- Rehabilitating bridges including bridge deck repairs, bridge deck sealing, and replacing expansion joints.
- Adding new shoulder rumble strips, signage, and upgraded guardrail.
- Applying a seal and cover (chip seal) and final pavement markings.
Why is the project needed?
This section of the interstate has seen steadily increasing traffic over the years and is in need of repair and maintenance. This project will address the wear and tear on the interstate, preserve the existing roadway and ramps, rehabilitate the existing pavement, and enhance safety features by updating guardrail, pavement markings, shoulder rumble strips, and signage.
What are expansion joints?
Bridge decks expand and contract several inches due to changes in temperature. Expansion joints are designed into the structure to allow for movement and to keep the bridge deck from buckling or pushing into the ends of the roadway. When you cross over a set of steel plates on a bridge, that is usually the expansion joint.
Expansion joint example. Click the image for a larger view.
UPN 10001000