Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Work resumes on Montana Highway 55

The Montana Department of Transportation is resuming work on MT-55 near Whitehall. Crews will be at work installing shoulder and centerline rumble strips the week of May 20 that are part of a continuation of improvements on MT-55.

Rumble strip installation is part of MDT's Vision Zero initiative to reach zero fatalities and zero serious injuries on Montana's highways. Last summer MT-55 saw new alignment, roadway widening, and an updated bridge at Pipestone Creek.

"Rumble strips are an extremely effective means of reducing roadway departure crashes, said Bill Fogarty, MDT's Butte District Construction Supervisor. "The strips are designed to be a wake-up call to drivers or motorcyclists unintentionally crossing the centerline or moving into the shoulder. They give drivers who may be distracted, drowsy, or experiencing poor visibility in a snowstorm a chance to correct course."

Roadway departure crashes are the most common crash type in Montana, as well as the most severe and fatal. Rumble strips have reduced crashes in neighboring states more than 40 percent and fatal and severe injury crashes by more than 70 percent.

Rumble strips will be installed in both passing and non-passing zones on MT-55; however, they are not meant to deter safe passing. Passing drivers should always give other vehicles and cyclists plenty of room.

Travelers are encouraged to allow additional travel time to accommodate delays of up to 15 minutes during construction. Drivers should expect reduced speeds and lane closures in work zones with flaggers and pilot cars to direct traffic. Drivers are reminded to slow down and pay close attention to their surroundings when traveling through work zones.

For more about the project visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/whitehall/.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/18/2024 17:15