May 12, 2020
The MT 200 - Fairview road reconstruction project remains on schedule and even ahead of schedule. This week, crews finished the city's water line replacement work and are laying moisture barrier fabric in anticipation of concrete paving beginning the morning of Tuesday, May 12. The new storm drain system is expected to be completed next week.
Concrete Paving Work
Due to heavy traffic and trucks along MT 200 through Fairview, MDT made the choice to reconstruct just over a mile of the highway (the area with curb and gutter in town) with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (P.C.C.P). Concrete lasts longer than asphalt and requires less maintenance. Asphalt roadways usually require an overlay sometime within the first 15 years and are more prone to rutting and surface deterioration with heavy loads. The P.C.C.P surface should last much longer (30 to 50 years) with less maintenance over its life.
Traffic Impacts for the Next Two Weeks
There are no additional traffic impacts planned for motorists traveling through the area and traffic will remain flowing. Traffic will remain reduced to two-lane, two-way traffic but the highway will remain open to traffic during construction. The traveling public is asked to prepare for occasional delays of up to 15 minutes and is reminded to slow down and watch for work crews and equipment in the construction zone.
May 1, 2020
The MT 200 - Fairview road reconstruction project is on schedule, with the south end of the highway milled (the process of removing part of the paved area) and the city's water line work expected to be completed by the end of next week. Concrete paving is anticipated to begin on May 12.
Sidewalks Along MT 200
As of Monday, May 4, some Fairview businesses along MT 200 (Ellery Ave) may reopen as part of Montana's Phase 1 reopening of the state. Patrons are asked to be aware that sidewalks on both sides of the street are in the process of being redone and to exercise caution when walking around the area. See current photos above.
Saturday Work
In addition to Monday through Friday work, please be aware that crews will be working the next two Saturdays, May 2 and May 9.
Traffic has been reduced to two-lane, two-way traffic but the highway will remain open to traffic during construction. The traveling public is asked to prepare for occasional delays of up to 15 minutes and is reminded to slow down and watch for work crews and equipment in the construction zone.
April 14, 2020
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has begun road reconstruction work on MT 200 (Ellery Ave) through downtown Fairview, Mont., with initial work beginning on April 3, 2020, according to, Shane Mintz, MDT Glendive District Administrator. Construction is expected to continue through the summer and finish by the end of 2020.
"We're excited to finally get going on our MT 200 – Fairview project," Mintz said. "The project will rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing roadway surface of MT 200, providing a smoother and safer roadway while eliminating the existing valley gutters with a new storm drainage system."
The project also includes upgrades to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) facilities and new curb and gutter at various locations. At each intersection corner, handicap-accessible curb ramps will be installed to meet ADA criteria.
The new storm drain system will provide better, more efficient water flow and help prevent streets from flooding during seasonal storms.
MDT is committed to working with local stakeholders to minimize construction impacts on residents, businesses, and the traveling public. The highway will remain open to traffic during construction. The traveling public is asked to prepare for delays of up to 15 minutes and is reminded to slow down and watch for work crews and equipment in the construction zone.
Waterline replacement work is anticipated to begin on MT 200 on April 15, and traffic will be reduced to two-lane, two-way traffic.
For the most up-to-date travel information be sure to check: Travel Conditions (look for MT-200 - Mile Marker 62.1 to 63.9).
More information about Montana's highway safety programs can be found at www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/plans/.