September 9, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project.
The Colstrip Interchange Bridge and Interstate 94 (I-94) under the bridge are both now open.
Crews have paused activities and will return in October to place final epoxy striping (roadway markings).
September 3, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project.
The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is open, and Interstate 94 (I-94) under the bridge should reopen next week, weather and other factors permitting. Crews still have miscellaneous clean-up and maintenance activities to complete before reopening the interstate.
Motorists traveling on I-94 through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps.
August 26, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project.
Crews plan to open the Colstrip Interchange Bridge this week, weather and other factors permitting. New curbing will be installed, and the project area will be cleared of any remaining debris.
LABOR DAY: Crews will pause construction activities for the Labor Day weekend by 3 p.m. on Friday, August 30, and resume on Tuesday, September 3.
Motorists traveling on I-94 through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps.
Interstate 94 (I-94) under the bridge should reopen next week, weather and other factors permitting.
August 19, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to finish paving the new bridge end connections, weather and other factors permitting. They will also paint temporary roadway markings and continue with bridge barrier rail and guardrail operations.
Please note that the on and off ramps at the East Forsyth Interchange (exit 95) are also closed so crews can pave them.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
August 12, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to begin paving the new bridge end connections, weather and other factors permitting.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
July 29, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to begin pouring concrete for the new bridge deck, weather and other factors permitting.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
July 15, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to finish placing steel and begin installing the new bridge deck.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
July 1, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to continue work on the Colstrip Interchange Bridge deck to prepare for replacement.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
Crews will also continue polymer overlay work on the Railroad Bridge and Armells Creek Bridge, on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39) north of Colstrip. Travelers should expect reduced speeds and single-lane traffic.
Fourth of July Holiday: Crews will pause construction activities by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and resume on Monday, July 8.
June 24, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to finish demolishing the existing bridge deck, after weather delays last week.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
Crews will also begin polymer overlay work on the Railroad Bridge and Armells Creek Bridge, on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39) north of Colstrip. Travelers should expect reduced speeds and single lane traffic.
June 17, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction continue work on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is now closed for construction.
This week, crews plan to finish demolishing the existing bridge deck to prepare for replacement, weather and other factors permitting.
Motorists traveling through the project area should expect to detour via the on- and off-ramps or the temporary median crossovers.
June 3, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are continuing operations on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. The Colstrip Interchange Bridge is now closed for construction.
This week, crews are finalizing traffic control and beginning bridge deck demolition. On Tuesday, weather and other factors permitting, crews will begin removing bridge rail on the Colstrip Interchange Bridge.
East and westbound through traffic on Interstate 94 (I-94) will be redirected via the on- and off-ramps. Other traffic will detour around the closure using temporary median crossovers on each side of the interchange.
May 27, 2024
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are continuing operations on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project. Starting in June, the Colstrip Interchange Bridge will be closed for construction.
The Colstrip Interchange Bridge will be closed for approximately three months while under construction for a bridge deck removal and replacement. East and westbound through traffic on I-94 will use the on- and off-ramps. Other traffic will detour around the closure using temporary median crossovers on each side of the interchange. Maps outlining these detours can be found on the project website.
November 6, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will pause operations on the Southeast Montana Bridge Preservation project for the winter.
Sletten Construction may return to complete some weather and temperature-dependent activities in the coming weeks.
Powder River Bridge, US Highway 212 (US 212)
Crews may return to install joint seals. Joint seals are airtight, flexible barriers that prevent water or other debris from interfering with a bridge's 'movement joints.' Movement joints allow bridges to absorb expansion and contraction safely. Expect single-lane traffic with reduced speeds, controlled by flaggers during joint sealing operations.
Tongue River Bridge, US Highway 212 (US 212)
Crews may return to perform erosion repair activities. This work generally consists of repairing the parts of the bridge foundation that have been eroded by water. Expect reduced speeds during erosion repair operations.
Rosebud Creek Bridge, MT Highway 39 (MT 39)
Crews may return to install joint seals. Expect single-lane traffic with reduced speeds, controlled by flaggers during joint sealing operations.
Below is a complete list of bridges involved in this project and their construction status.
- Powder River Bridge | Partially Complete
- Little Powder River Bridge | Complete
- Tongue River Bridge | Partially Complete
- Rosebud Creek Bridge | Partially Complete
- MT 39 Railroad Bridge | Partially Complete
- US 12 Railroad Bridge | Partially Complete
- East Forsyth Interchange Bridge Eastbound | Complete
- East Forsyth Interchange Bridge Westbound | Complete
- Armells Creek Bridge | Partially Complete
- Otter Creek Bridge | Complete
- Colstrip Interchange Bridge | Planned for 2024
October 30, 2023
Armells Creek Bridge and Railroad Bridge (MT 39)
Sletten Construction crews will continue bridge deck and guardrail maintenance on Armelis Creek Bridge and Railroad Bridge on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39) between Interstate 94 (I 94) and Colstrip the week of October 30th. This work is anticipated to last until November 17th, weather and other factors permitting.
Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights, reduced speeds, and minor delays. The traffic lights are set to a two-minute interval cycle to maintain traffic flow. Traffic control will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until work is complete.
October 23, 2023
Railroad Overpass Bridge (US 12)
Work continues on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge at the west end of Forsyth. Crews are repairing the bridge deck and completing guardrail maintenance. These efforts are expected to be completed by October 27th, weather and other factors permitting.
Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights, reduced speeds, and minor delays.
Armells Creek Bridge and Railroad Bridge (MT 39)
Deck and guardrail maintenance work will begin this week on the Armells Creek Bridge and Railroad Bridge on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39) between Interstate 94 (I 94) and Colstrip. This work is anticipated to last until November 17th, weather and other factors permitting.
Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights, reduced speeds, and minor delays. The traffic lights are set to a 2-minute interval cycle to maintain traffic flow. Traffic control will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until work is complete.
October 16, 2023
Railroad Overpass Bridge
Work continues on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge at the west end of Forsyth. Crews are repairing the bridge deck and completing guardrail maintenance.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction anticipate completing this work by the end of October, weather and other factors permitting. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights, reduced speeds, and minor delays.
October 10, 2023
Railroad Overpass Bridge
Work continues on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge at the west end of Forsyth. Crews are repairing the bridge deck and completing guardrail maintenance. the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction anticipate completing this work by the end of October, weather and other factors permitting. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights, reduced speeds, and minor delays.
October 2, 2023
East Forsyth Interchange Bridges
Interstate 94 (I 94) traffic is no longer detoured, and traffic control has been removed.
Railroad Overpass Bridge
Work continues on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge at the west end of Forsyth. Crews are repairing the bridge deck and completing guardrail maintenance. MDT and Sletten Construction anticipate completing this work by the end of October, weather and other factors permitting. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights and reduced speeds. Expect minor delays.
September 25, 2023
East Forsyth Interchange Bridges
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will install permanent roadway markings on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange. This process should be completed on Monday, September 25, weather and other factors permitting.
Once striping is completed, I 94 traffic will no longer be detoured, and traffic control will be removed. Normal traffic flow will resume through the on- and off-ramps, and on Slaughterhouse Road.
Railroad Overpass Bridge
Work is continuing on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge at the west end of Forsyth. Crews are working on repairing the bridge deck and completing guardrail maintenance. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by signal lights and reduced speeds. Expect minor delays.
September 18, 2023
East Forsyth Interchange Bridges
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will continue installing guardrail on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic is detoured over the on- and off-ramps with a reduced speed limit of 25 mph. Motorists on Slaughterhouse Road and 18th Street can expect stop signs at the ramps to allow I 94 traffic to continue without stopping. Plan for minor delays.
Railroad Overpass Bridge
Crews will also continue working on bridge deck and guardrail maintenance on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge on the west end of Forsyth. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by signal lights.
September 11, 2023
East Forsyth Interchange Bridges
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are installing guardrail, rumble strips, and roadway striping on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic is detoured over the on- and off-ramps at 25 mph. Motorists on Slaughterhouse Road and 18th Street can expect stop signs at the ramps to allow I 94 traffic to continue without interruption. Plan for minor delays.
Little Powder River Bridge
On Monday, September 11, crews will finish milling and paving activities on the Little Powder River Bridge on US Highway 212 (US 212) southeast of Broadus. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by signal lights until activities are completed.
Railroad Overpass Bridge
Crews will also be working on bridge deck and guardrail maintenance on the US Highway 12 (US 12) Railroad Overpass Bridge on the west end of Forsyth. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by signal lights.
September 5, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are beginning clean-up activities on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange. Crews will also start milling these structures this week.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps at 25 mph. Slaughterhouse Road and 18th Street traffic will continue to be stopped at both sets of ramps to let I 94 traffic pass through without stopping. Milling activities will not change this traffic control.
Beginning September 5, crews will be milling and paving the Little Powder River Bridge on US Highway 212 (US 212) southeast of Broadus. Work will occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Travelers should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by signal lights during work hours. Milling and paving activities are anticipated to be completed by September 11, weather and other factors permitting.
August 28, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are continuing construction on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange.
This week, crews will continue working on the concrete barrier rail for both bridges.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps at 25 mph. Slaughterhouse Road and 18th Street traffic will continue to be stopped at both sets of ramps to let I 94 traffic pass through without stopping.
August 21, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are continuing construction on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange.
This week, crews will continue working on the concrete barrier rail for both bridges, Monday through Thursday.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps at 25 mph. Slaughterhouse Road and 18th Street traffic will continue to be stopped at both sets of ramps to let I 94 traffic pass through without stopping.
August 14, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction are continuing construction on the east and westbound Interstate 94 (I 94) bridges at the East Forsyth Interchange.
This week, crews will continue working on the concrete barrier rail for both bridges, Monday through Thursday.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps at 25 mph. Slaughterhouse Road and 18th Street traffic will continue to be stopped at both sets of ramps to let I 94 traffic pass through without stopping.
August 7, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will continue construction on the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 94 (I 94) at the East Forsyth Interchange.
Sletten will continue working on forming and tying rebar for the revised barrier rail and applying polymer overlays to both bridge decks.
The polymer overlay will seal and protect the bridge decks, which will help to prevent deterioration.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps.
July 31, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will continue guardrail installation and cleanup activities on the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 94 (I 94) at the East Forsyth Interchange.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps.
Weather and other factors permitting, crews will finish bridge rail repair work on Monday, July 31, on the Rosebud Creek Bridge south of Colstrip on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39). Travelers can expect lane closures and signal lights, reduced speeds, and minor delays.
Traffic control will continue 24 hours a day from 6 a.m. on July 25 to 6 p.m. on August 1.
July 24, 2023
This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will continue guardrail installation and miscellaneous cleanup on the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 94 (I 94) at the East Forsyth Interchange.
These bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps.
Crews will also begin bridge rail repair work on the Rosebud Creek Bridge south of Colstrip on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39). Travelers can expect lane closures, with alternating traffic controlled by signal lights.
Traffic control will continue 24 hours a day from 6 a.m. on July 25 to 6 p.m. on August 1, weather and other factors permitting. Motorists should expect minor delays.
July 17, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction have completed the concrete overlays on the Forsyth Interstate 94 (I 94) East and West Interchange Bridges. This week, crews will work on guardrail installation and miscellaneous cleanup.
The on- and off-ramps of these bridges are closed until further notice. Traffic continues to be detoured.
July 10, 2023
Work activities continue from last week.
Travelers are continuing to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps around the Forsyth East and West Interchange Bridges on Interstate 94 (I 94), which are closed until further notice. Work continues on bridge deck repair.
July 4, 2023
Work will be paused until July 5th, and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) hopes you all have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.
Travelers are continuing to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps around the Forsyth East and West Interchange Bridges on Interstate 94 (I 94), which are closed until further notice. Work continues on bridge deck repair.
June 26, 2023
The Forsyth East and West Interchange Bridges on Interstate 94 (I 94) are closed until further notice. Travelers will continue to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps. Work continues on bridge deck repair.
June 21, 2023
The crack sealing treatment on the Otter Creek Bridge is complete.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) thanks the traveling public for their patience and safe driving.
The Forsyth East and West Interchange Bridges on Interstate 94 (I 94) are closed until further notice. Travelers will continue to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps. Work continues on bridge deck repair.
June 7, 2023
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will return to the Powder River Bridge near Broadus this week to perform a crack sealing treatment. Travelers should expect single-lane traffic controlled by signals during work hours.
A crack sealing treatment is when products are applied to the bridge deck to fill cracks and prevent them from collecting debris.
The Forsyth East Interchange Bridge on Interstate 94 (I 94) is closed until further notice. Travelers will continue to be detoured over the on- and off-ramps.
May 30, 2023
Work on the concrete deck overlay for the Little Powder River Bridge on US Highway 212 (US 212) near Broadus has been completed, and MDT thanks the traveling public for their patience and safe driving.
There is no planned work for the Rosebud Creek Bridge on Montana Highway 39 (MT 39) near Colstrip this week.
The Forsyth East Interchange Bridge on Interstate 94 (I 94) is closed until further notice. Travelers will be detoured over the on- and off-ramps.
May 12, 2023
Crews will begin work next week on the Rosebud Creek Bridge near Colstrip on MT 39 after completing repairs on the Powder River Bridge. Work will include repairing the bridge deck, replacing rubber seals, a crack sealing treatment, and erosion control.
Work continues on the Little Powder River Bridge on US 212 near Broadus, and the 14-foot width restriction remains in place.
April 11, 2023
There will be a 14-foot width restriction over the Little Powder River Bridge until June. This is approximately mile markers 86-87 on US 212 south of Broadus.
Crews have nearly completed repairs on the Powder River Bridge and will move operations to the Little Powder River Bridge this week.
This week, crews will be milling the surface of the Little Powder River Bridge south of Broadus, and travelers should expect single-lane traffic, short delays, and reduced speed limits.