Paving underway on MT HWY 55

Paving has begun on the Montana Department of Transportation South Roadways Project.

Melissa Shannon of Strategies 360 reported the second lift (paving) started August 20 on MT HWY 55. She said the second lift will smooth the road out and travelers will no longer have to drive on gravel, adding paving is expected to continue through the month of August.

"Once the paving is done on the main roadway, crews will start paving the approaches. There will also be general project clean-up and pavement marking. Fencing work also continues on the project," she said.

Shannon reminded local residents ensuring the safety of the traveling public is MDT's number one priority.

"We urge all travelers who are driving through this project to follow traffic signs and lights and wait for pilot cars. There have been numerous incidents where travelers are not waiting for pilot cars or at the flagging stations. This puts the safety of the traveling public and the constructions crews at risk," Shannon said.

There is currently a 10-foot width restriction through the construction site.

Shannon said all trucks over 10-foot width will need to take the Highway 41 detour. Shannon added the Whitehall South Roadway Improvements project is aimed at improving the roadway through new alignments, roadway widths, and an updated bridge at Pipestone Creek. Work began in the spring of 2018, with the bridge being completed just after the 4th of July.