Construction underway on HWY 55

A construction project to upgrade Montana HWY 55 is underway, and local residents could encounter delays up to 15 minutes.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, roadway grading and culvert installation is in progress. The construction is from Mile Marker 7 to 12.1 and includes the replacement of the bridge crossing Pipestone Creek. South bound traffic has been detoured onto Capp Lane. The detour has a 10-foot width restriction, and a 10-ton weight restriction. Those restrictions are expected to remain in effect until the fall.

Melissa Shannon of MDT will be discussing the project at the April 5 meeting of the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce. The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Rodeway Inn.

Residents should check for reduced speed signs in the construction zone. Law enforcement has had an increased presence in the area to prevent speeding or trucks larger than the restriction.

In last week's Ledger, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Report showed over 10 traffic stops on Capp Lane alone as well as numerous other stops in the area.