I 90: East Laurel - West Billings Updates

October 13, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Avoid distractions while driving: There have been 54 crashes in the project area since construction began in April. Please avoid distractions, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and follow traffic control.
• Wide load restriction: A 14-foot width restriction is now in place. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 or visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ for more information.
• Don't follow construction vehicles into work zone: Work vehicles are using the driving lanes to access work zones within the project area. Please pay attention to your surroundings and be careful not to follow construction vehicles into areas of the job site closed to the public.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as sections of I 90 are reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete, which is estimated to be in early November.

Project Updates:

• Crews plan to pour the new concrete surface on the westbound bridge deck over 56th Street West next week, depending on weather.
• The crossovers between Zoo Drive and the Mossmain Interchange are expected to close in early November. At that point, I 90 traffic will resume to its normal configuration between East Laurel and West Billings.
• Workers are striping the westbound lanes with epoxy paint. Please watch for minor traffic control changes as this work occurs.
• Updated signage is being installed throughout the project. While this work is being completed, workers and their vehicles will be alongside the roadway.
• The final application of a polymer overlay on the resurfaced bridge decks is in progress. Once this work is completed, some traffic control will be removed on the east end of the project area, between Zoo Drive and the West Billings Interchange.

Crews prepare the westbound bridge deck over South 56th Street West for a new concrete surface. The deck surface is expected to be poured next week, depending on weather.

October 6, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• *NEW* wide load restriction: A 14-foot width restriction is now in place. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 or visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ for more information.
• Avoid distractions while driving: There have been 54 crashes in the project area since construction began in April. Please avoid distractions, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and follow traffic control.
• Don't follow construction vehicles into work zone: Work vehicles are using the driving lanes to access work zones within the project area. Please pay attention to your surroundings and be careful not to follow construction vehicles into areas of the job site closed to the public.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as sections of I 90 are reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete, which is estimated to be in early November.

Project Updates:

• Crews anticipate being able to pour the new concrete surface on the westbound bridge deck above 56th Street West next week.
• New guardrail is being installed on the east end of the project area. This work is expected to continue through the end of the week.
• Crews are installing new signage. While this work is being completed, workers and their vehicles will be alongside the roadway.
• A polymer overlay treatment is being applied to the resurfaced bridge decks.

Crews work on widening the westbound I 90 bridge above 56th Street West to make room for wider shoulders.

October 2, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Watch for traffic control changes at West Billings: With the installation of new guardrail near the West Billings Interchange (Exit 446), traffic control may shift to guide vehicles onto the off-ramps. Please pay attention to your surroundings and follow traffic control.
• Don't follow construction vehicles into work zone: Work vehicles are using the driving lanes to access work zones within the project area. Please pay attention to your surroundings and be careful not to follow construction vehicles into areas of the job site that are closed to the public.
• Wide load restriction: A 12-foot width restriction is now in place. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 or visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ for more information.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as sections of I 90 are reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.

A crane is used to install a new girder on the westbound bridge structure above 56th Street West. Girders are horizontal beams that support the bridge deck.

Project Updates:

• Concrete girders were installed next to the drive lane on the westbound bridge above 56th Street West to accommodate wider shoulders. Girders are horizontal beams used to support the bridge deck. Crews expect to pour the new concrete bridge deck by mid-October.
• New guardrail is being installed on the east end of the project area. This work will continue through the end of next week.
• Crews are installing new signage. While this work is being completed, workers and their vehicles will be alongside the roadway.
• A polymer overlay treatment is being applied to the resurfaced bridge decks.

September 18, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Night milling and paving: Crews are milling and paving at night to limit disruption to traffic. Be aware of bright lights and workers near the roadway when traveling through the project area between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Don't follow construction vehicles into work zone: Work vehicles are using the driving lanes to access work zones within the project area. Please pay attention to your surroundings and be careful not to follow construction vehicles into closed off areas of the job site.
• Wide load restriction: A 12-foot width restriction is now in place. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ for more information.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as sections of I 90 are reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.

A worker operates a roller to smooth the new asphalt surface in the closed lane.

Project Updates:

• Demolition of the westbound bridge deck above 56th Street West is in progress to prepare for a new bridge surface.
• Crews began milling and paving between the Canyon Creek bridges and the West Billings Interchange (Exit 446) last week. This work is being completed at night to limit the impact on the traveling public.
• Crews are installing new signage. While this work is being completed, concrete trucks will be alongside the roadway.
• A polymer overlay treatment is being applied to the resurfaced bridge decks.

September 11, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Don't follow construction vehicles into work zone: Work vehicles are using the driving lanes to access work zones within the project area. Please pay attention to your surroundings and be careful not to follow construction vehicles into closed off areas of the job site.
• Wide load restriction: An 11-foot width restriction is in place. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ for more information.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as sections of I 90 are reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.

Project Updates:

• New curb and guardrail were installed last week at the eastbound bridge above 56th Street West. Demolition of the westbound bridge deck above 56th Street West will begin the week of September 11.
• Crews will begin milling and paving between the Canyon Creek bridge and the West Billings Interchange (Exit 446) on Sunday evening, September 10.
• The installation of new roadside signage began this week and will continue over the next couple of weeks. While this work is being completed, concrete trucks will be alongside the roadway.
• Beginning next week, a polymer overlay treatment will be applied to the resurfaced bridge decks in the project area.

August 18, 2023

Project Updates:

• Crews will begin paving the ends of the bridge decks above Canyon Creek this Friday.
• A new concrete surface was poured last week on the eastbound bridge deck above 56th Street West and is now curing. Two more bridge decks will be poured this week.
• Milling and paving work in the eastbound lane between the crossovers will occur over the next couple of weeks. This includes both ends of the eastbound bridge above 56th Street West. Since this work will take place in the lanes closed to through traffic, it will happen during the day.
• New pedestrian pushbuttons, traffic signals, reflective signal backer plates, and electrical wiring have been installed at the West Billings Interchange.

Travel Advisories:

• Don't follow construction vehicles into work zone: Work vehicles are using the driving lanes to access work zones within the project area. Please pay attention to your surroundings and be careful not to follow construction vehicles into closed off areas of the job site.
• Wide load restriction: An 11-foot width restriction is now in place and is expected to continue through the duration of the project. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit MDT Travel Info for more information.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as I 90 is reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.

August 11, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Weekend travel advisory: Montana Fair and the International Air Show are in town this weekend and traffic volume is expected to be higher than normal. Please use caution, expect delays, and pay attention to changing traffic patterns.
• Wide load restriction: An 11-foot width restriction is now in place and is expected to continue through the duration of the project. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit MDT Travel Info for more information.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is especially important when I 90 is reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.

Project Updates:

• New pedestrian pushbuttons, traffic signals, reflective signal backer plates, and electrical wiring have been installed at the West Billings Interchange.
• Bridge resurfacing work continues this week. The surface on the newly widened eastbound bridge above 56th Street West was poured this week. Three additional deck surfaces will be poured over the next couple of weeks. The bridge decks need to cure for 28 days before traffic will be able to use them.
• Milling and paving work is in progress between the Mossmain Interchange and the crossover on the west end of the project area. This work is mainly occurring at night.

August 7, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• *NEW* wide load restriction: An 11-foot width restriction is now in place and is expected to continue through the duration of the project. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit MDT Travel Info for more information.
• Follow traffic control and avoid distractions: There have been numerous crashes throughout the project area that were related to distracted driving. Please reduce speeds, keep a safe distance from the driver in front of you, and pay attention to changing traffic patterns.
• Night work: Beginning on Sunday, August 6, crews will be paving through the night. Please use caution and be aware of bright lights when traveling through the project area at night.
• Temporary traffic signals and shoulder closures: Electrical work is in progress at the West Billings Interchange. Temporary traffic signals are active and the shoulders near the existing traffic lights are closed while new electrical wiring and pedestrian facilities are installed.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as I 90 is reduced to one lane.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.

Project Updates:

• The installation of upgraded traffic signals and pedestrian push-button devices at the West Billings Interchange will continue through the end of the week.
• Bridge resurfacing work continued this week. Five deck surfaces will be poured over the next few weeks. The bridge decks need to cure for 28 days before traffic will be able to use them.
• Milling and paving work is in progress between the Mossmain Interchange and the crossover on the west end of the project area. The westbound off-ramp of the Mossmain Interchange is expected to be closed for milling on Wednesday night August 2, between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am.

The new bridge deck is being constructed on the eastbound bridge above South 56th Street West (pictured above). These bridges are being widened to accommodate standard-width shoulders.

July 12, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Follow traffic control and avoid distractions: There have been numerous crashes throughout the project area that were related to distracted driving. Please reduce speeds, keep a safe distance from the driver in front of you, and pay attention to changing traffic patterns.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as I 90 is reduced to one lane.
• Temporary traffic signals: In the coming weeks, electrical work will begin at the West Billings Interchange. Temporary traffic signals will be used and the shoulders near the existing traffic lights will be closed while new electrical wiring, including upgraded signal detection, and pedestrian facilities are installed.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place until bridge construction is complete.
• Wide load restriction: A 12-foot width restriction is in place and is expected to continue through the duration of the project. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit MDT Travel Info for more information.

Project Updates:

• Electrical work is expected to begin in the coming weeks to prepare for the installation of upgraded traffic signals and pedestrian push-button devices at the West Billings Interchange. Stay tuned for traffic control updates.
• Excavation is underway around the existing bridge structure at 56th Street West in preparation for bridge deck removal and replacement
• Traffic control has been extended to the West Billings Interchange (near Cracker Barrel), allowing construction crews to work on the bridge decks near the east end of the project.

June 28, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Holiday hours: Knife River crews will pause construction from Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4.
• Night work: Beginning after the holiday, milling and paving work will occur after rush hour traffic to minimize the construction impacts on the traveling public. Please use caution and adhere to posted signage.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important as I 90 is reduced to one lane.
• Wide load restriction: A 12-foot width restriction is in place and is expected to continue through the duration of the project. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit MDT Travel Info for more information.
• Bridge crossings: Be aware of narrow bridge crossings throughout the project area.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place through early fall while new bridges are constructed on I 90.

Project Updates:

• Electrical work is expected to begin in the coming weeks to prepare for the installation of upgraded traffic signals and pedestrian push-button devices at the Zoo Drive and West Billings interchanges.
• Excavation is underway around the existing bridge structure at 56th Street West in preparation for the removal and replacement of the bridge decks.
• The construction of a tall barrier rail (near the weigh stations) continues.
• Traffic control has been extended to the West Billings interchange (near Cracker Barrell), allowing construction crews to work on the bridge decks near the east end of the project.
• A new concrete surface has been poured on bridge decks above Laurel Road, Hogan's Slough, and Mullowney Lane. Additional bridge decks will be replaced throughout July.

June 23, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• Holiday hours: Knife River crews will pause construction from Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers: This is important when I 90 is reduced to one lane.
• Wide load restriction: A 12-foot width restriction is in place and is expected to continue through the duration the project. Please contact Motor Carrier Services (MCS) at 406-444-7262 with any questions or visit MDT's Traveler Information site for more information.
• Bridge crossings: Be aware of narrow bridge crossings throughout the project area.
• 56th Street West closure: This closure is anticipated to be in place through early fall while new bridges are constructed on I 90.

Project Updates:

• Excavation has begun at the base of the westbound bridge above 56th Street West to prepare for the bridge removal. The shafts that will support the new, wider bridge structures have been installed.
• The construction of a tall barrier rail (near the weigh stations) continues.
• Traffic control has been extended to the West Billings interchange (near Cracker Barrel), allowing construction crews to work on the bridge decks near the east end of the project.
• A new concrete surface has been poured on the bridge decks above Laurel Road, Hogan's Slough, and Mullowney Lane. Additional bridge decks will be replaced throughout July.

June 14, 2023

Travel Advisory:

• Crossovers between the Mossmain and West Billings interchanges are active, directing east and westbound traffic to the same side of I 90.
• Please drive safely through the work zone and be aware of heavy equipment and workers alongside the roadway. Workers are present between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, will remain closed while new bridges are constructed. This closure is anticipated to be in place through early fall.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is important when travel is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in place. This is expected to continue through the duration of the project.

Project Updates:

• Four new concrete bridge surfaces are being poured over the next two weeks.
• Sheet pile and bridge piers have been installed for the north bridge over 56th Street West. Knife River crews are now working on the south bridge.
• The construction of a tall barrier rail near the weigh station continues.
• Traffic control has been extended to the West Billings interchange as work occurs on the bridge decks near the east end of the project. Crews are removing the surface of the bridge decks using high-pressure water. They will be pouring new concrete and installing guardrail in the coming weeks.
• Milling and paving activities are complete on the north section of the project area between the crossovers.
• The shafts that will support the new bridges over 56th Street West are being drilled into the ground.

June 7, 2023

Travel Advisory:

• Please drive safely through the work zone and be aware of heavy equipment and workers alongside the roadway. Workers are typically on the jobsite between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• Crossovers between the Mossmain and West Billings Interchanges are active. This reduces travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, will remain closed while new bridges are constructed on the interstate. This closure is anticipated to be in place through early fall.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in place. This is expected to continue throughout the project.

Project Updates:

• Crossovers between the Mossmain and West Billings interchanges will move head-to-head traffic from the eastbound lane to the westbound lane. This change is anticipated to take place late next week or early the following week. Newly paved sections are being striped in preparation for this transition of the cross-over traffic.
• The construction of a tall barrier rail (near the weigh station) has begun.
• Traffic control has been extended to the King Avenue Interchange to allow work on the bridge decks near the east end of the project. Crews are removing the surface of bridge decks using high-pressure water. They will be pouring new concrete and installing guard rail in the coming weeks.
• Milling and paving work is in process. The north section between the crossovers is complete. Work is happening next to single-lane traffic.
• The shafts that will support the new bridges over 56th Street West are being drilled into the ground.

May 31, 2023

Travel Advisory:

• Workers are typically on the jobsite between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please use caution while driving through the active work zone.
• Please drive safely through the work zone and be aware of heavy equipment and workers alongside the roadway.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• Crossovers between the Mossmain and West Billings Interchanges are active. This reduces travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate. Please see illustration above.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, will be closed while new bridges are constructed on the interstate. This closure is anticipated to be in place through early fall.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in place. This is expected to continue throughout the project.

Project Updates:

• Traffic control has been extended to the King Avenue Interchange to allow work on the bridge decks near the east end of the project. Crews are removing the surface of bridge decks, pouring new concrete, and installing guardrail. The concrete must cure for seven days before traffic will be able to use the bridges.
• Milling and paving work is in process. The north section between the crossovers is complete. Work is happening next to single-lane traffic.
• The shafts that will support the new bridges over 56th Street West are being drilled into the ground.

May 25, 2023

MEMORIAL WEEKEND: Crews will pause construction activities for Memorial Day weekend by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 26, and will resume on Tuesday, May 30. Please drive safely through the work zone and be aware of head-to-head traffic and narrow bridges.

Travel Advisory:

• Please drive safely through the work zone and be aware of heavy equipment and work present alongside the roadway.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• Crossovers between the Mossmain and West Billings Interchanges are active. This reduces travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate. Please see illustration above.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, will be closed while new bridges are constructed on the interstate. This closure is anticipated to be in place through early fall.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in-place. This is expected to continue throughout the project duration.
• Workers are typically on the jobsite between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Please use caution while driving through the active work zone.

Project Updates:

• Crews are removing the surface of bridge decks, pouring new concrete, and installing guard rail. Five bridge decks have been resurfaced so far. The concrete will need to cure for seven days before traffic will be able to use the bridges.
• Millings and paving work are in progress. The section between the crossovers is complete. Work is happening next to single-lane traffic.
• Bridge piers are being pounded into the ground. They will eventually support the new interstate bridges.

May 19, 2023

Travel Advisory:

• Please drive safely through the work zone - heavy equipment and working are present alongside the roadway.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• Cross-overs between the Mossmain and West Billings Interchanges are active. This reduces travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate. Please see illustration above.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, is temporarily closed while the piers for replacement bridges are placed. This closure will last for approximately one more week.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in-place. This is expected to continue throughout the project duration.
• Workers are typically on the jobsite between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Please use caution while driving through the active work zone.

Project Updates:

• Millings and paving work is in-process. The section between the crossovers is complete. Work is happening next to single-lane traffic.
• Bridge piers are being pounded into the ground. They will eventually support the new interstate bridges.

May 12, 2023

Travel Advisories:

• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, is temporarily closed while the piers for replacement bridges are placed. This closure will last for approximately two weeks.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• Cross-overs between the Mossmain and West Billings Interchanges are active. This reduces travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate. Please see illustration above.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in-place. This is expected to continue throughout the project duration.
• Workers are typically on the jobsite between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Please use caution while driving through the active work zone.

Project Updates:

• Milling and paving operations have begun on the roadway between the cross-overs.
• Bridge piers are being pounded into the ground. They will eventually support the new interstate bridges.

May 5, 2023

Travel Advisory and Project Updates

• Cross-overs between the Mossmain and West Billings Interchanges have been paved and will be active on Monday. This will reduce travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate. Please see illustration above.
• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in-place. This will likely extend throughout the project duration.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, will be closed on Monday (5/8) while the piers for replacement bridges are pounded into place. This closure will last for approximately two weeks.

April 28, 2023

Travel Advisory and Project Updates

• Be aware of narrow bridge crossings through the project area.
• Cross-overs will be paved early next week and will likely be active by the end of the week. This will reduce travel lanes to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in-place. This will likely extend throughout the project duration.
• 56th Street West, which crosses under I 90, will be closed while the piers for replacement bridges are pounded into place. This closure will last for a approximately two weeks.

April 21, 2023

Travel Advisory and Project Updates

• Cross-overs will likely be active next week. This will reduce lanes of travel to one in each direction on a single side of the interstate.
• Traffic using on-ramps should yield to interstate drivers. This is particularly important when the interstate is reduced to one lane.
• A 12-foot width restriction is in-place. This will likely extend throughout the project duration.

April 13, 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) construction project along I 90 between East Laurel and West Billings has begun!

Knife River will improve I 90 from the west bridge ends of the Mossmain Interchange to the east bridge ends of the West Billings Interchange bridges over King Avenue West. The project will include resurfacing the deteriorated roadway, the addition of roadway safety enhancements, widening the decks of the interstate bridges over South 56th Street West, resurfacing the remaining interstate bridges, and ADA compliance upgrades to the West Billings Interchange. The roadway safety enhancements for this project will include new rumble strips, guard rail, concrete median barrier, signage, and pavement markings striping throughout the project area.