June 17, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partner, Sletten Construction, have the following planned for Wednesday, June 17, through Friday, June 26. All work is dependent on the weather and other unforeseen factors.
Dry Wolf Creek Bridge on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81) at mile marker 19.9, 6 miles southeast of Denton
Crews will begin building the detour next to the existing structure. Watch for trucks entering and exiting the project site.
Utility Relocations
Crews will also be relocating utilities in preparation for construction at the following locations:
- Drainage bridge on MT 81 at mile marker 34.9, 6 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage bridge on MT 81 at mile marker 35.4, 5 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage bridge on MT 81 at mile marker 36.6, 4 miles west of Brooks
All work will occur on the side of the highway. Minimal traffic disruption is anticipated at all locations.
Traffic control will be on site, speed limits will be reduced, and shoulder closures will be in place throughout the construction zones. Brief, single-lane road closures may be periodically required.
When traveling through the project sites, remember the three Ss of work zone safety: speed, space, and stress. Slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
June 5, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partners, Sletten Construction and Morrison-Maierle, will begin replacing the following five timber bridges in central Montana in June:
Fergus County
- Dry Wolf Creek Bridge on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81), 6 miles southeast of Denton
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 6 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 5 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 4 miles west of Brooks
Wheatland County
- Deadman’s Basin Canal Bridge on Secondary Highway 297 (S 297), 1 mile north of Shawmut
During construction, detours will be directly next to the current structures, and minimal traffic disruptions are anticipated. Traffic control will be on-site, speed limits will be reduced, and shoulder closures will be in place through the construction zones.
A motorcycle advisory will be in effect due to the gravel surfaces on the detours, which can create hazardous riding conditions. Motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to consider using an alternate route.
When traveling through the construction zones, stay alert, slow down, and follow traffic control to help keep everyone safe.
Weekly email and project webpage updates will be available during construction. Text message updates will also be provided. To receive text message* updates, text LEWISTOWNDAR to 41411.
These bridge replacements are the first phase of the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures project that will replace 11 regional timber bridges through 2028.
If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing Sloane at
March 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partners, Sletten Construction and Morrison-Maierle, are continuing preparations for the start of construction on the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures project.
This project involves replacing 11 timber bridges in the Lewistown area, which have been divided into two construction packages. The first package is scheduled for replacement in 2026 and 2027, and the second package in 2027 and 2028.
Work on the first package of bridge replacements is expected to begin in early summer and will include:
- Dry Wolf Creek Bridge on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81), 6 miles southeast of Denton
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 6 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 5 miles west of Brooks
- Drainage Bridge on MT 81, 4 miles west of Brooks
- Deadman’s Basin Canal Bridge on Secondary Highway 297 (S 297), 1 mile north of Shawmut
During construction, detours will be directly next to the current structures, and minimal traffic disruptions are anticipated. Traffic control will be on-site, speed limits will be reduced, and shoulder closures will be in place through the construction zones.
A motorcycle advisory will be in effect due to the gravel surfaces on the detours, which can create hazardous riding conditions. Motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to consider using an alternate route.
When work begins, watch for crews working along the highway. They operate just feet from passing vehicles and rely on drivers to stay alert, slow down, and use extra caution to help keep everyone safe.
More information regarding construction start dates, the order of bridge replacements, and what travelers can expect during construction will be provided soon.
Regular email and project webpage updates will be available during construction. Text message updates will also be provided. To receive text message* updates, text LEWISTOWNDAR to 41411.
If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing Sloane at