I 15 Bridge Rehabilitations - Jefferson City and Clancy Area - Project Updates

April 22, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West, Inc. are improving Interstate 15 (I-15) between Helena and Jefferson City.

Traffic is now traveling in the southbound I-15 lanes, with reduced speeds and a single lane in each direction. Please stay alert and slow down for crossovers. This week, crews will begin deck work on the northbound I-15 bridges. Crews will also complete miscellaneous dirt work, seeding, and drainage pipe installation.

This week, crews will be demolishing the bridge deck on the South Hills Road Bridge. Motorists should expect flaggers and signals controlling the movement of traffic, single-lane restrictions, and reduced speed limits at all times until work is completed.

When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they are counting on you to pay attention, slow down, and be careful as you pass through a work zone.

April 15, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West, Inc. are working hard on Interstate 15 (I-15) between Helena and Jefferson City.

Crews are currently setting up additional traffic control to prepare to switch traffic to the southbound I-15 lanes, which MDT expects to occur this week.

When work begins in the I-15 northbound lanes, segments of the southbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic, with a single lane in each direction. Please stay alert and slow down for crossovers.

Work is also continuing on the Jefferson County Route 926 (South Hills Road) Bridge over I-15. This week, crews will be preparing to start bridge deck demolition. During work hours, motorists should expect flaggers and signals controlling the movement of traffic, single-lane restrictions, and reduced speed limits.

April 8, 2024

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West, Inc. are resuming bridge work between Helena and Jefferson City.

This week, crews are painting roadway lines and preparing median crossovers to switch traffic from the northbound lanes to a southbound lane.

With work occurring in the I-15 northbound lanes, segments of the southbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic, with a single lane in each direction. Please stay alert and slow down for crossovers.

During work hours, motorists should expect flaggers and signals controlling the movement of traffic, single-lane restrictions, reduced speed limits, and interstate crossovers.

April 1, 2024

After a winter pause, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West, Inc. will soon resume bridge work between Helena and Jefferson City.

The I-15 Bridge Rehabilitations, Jefferson City and Clancy Area project began in the spring of 2023. The project consists of rehabilitating 12 bridges in southwestern Montana along Interstate 15 (I-15).

Gary Berg, MDT Butte District Project Manager, would like to thank the public for their understanding and cooperation during last year’s busy construction season. “We completed a lot of work last season, including rehabbing all the southbound I-15 bridges, as well as the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge,” Berg said. “Moving forward, we intend to complete rehab of the northbound I-15 bridges this calendar year."

During work hours, motorists should expect flaggers and signals controlling the movement of traffic, single-lane restrictions, reduced speed limits, and interstate crossovers.

With work occurring in the I-15 northbound lanes, segments of the southbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic, with a single lane in each direction. Please stay alert and slow down for crossovers.

Work planned for 2024:

• Jefferson County Route 926 Bridge over I-15.
• I-15 Bridge over abandoned railroad near Montana City, Northbound (NB).
• I-15 Bridge over Frontage Road south of Montana City, NB.
• I-15 Bridge over Lump Gulch Road, NB.
• Clancy Interchange Bridge, NB.
• Two bridges over Prickly Pear Creek south of Clancy.

November 13, 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West have paused bridge work for the winter. Crews will resume work in the spring.

The week of November 13, crews plan to complete guardrail work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge and perform general cleanup activities throughout the project area.

All traffic control has been removed, and traffic on Interstate 15 (I 15) is back to its normal pattern. A width restriction is no longer in place.

MDT appreciates the traveling public's patience and respect for posted work zones and traffic control. Thanks to you, this construction season has concluded with no work zone crashes!

November 6, 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge this week. Crews plan to finish installing a waterproof barrier and pave the bridge ends. During paving, traffic on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge will be reduced to a single lane and controlled by temporary traffic lights.

Crews also plan to pave the southbound Clancy Interchange Bridge with an additional layer of asphalt.

All work is dependent on weather and other factors.

Traffic traveling in both directions on (Interstate 15) I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place. MDT anticipates that traffic will return to its normal pattern within the next few weeks and will keep the public updated on this timeline.

October 30, 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge this week. Crews are excavating the bridge ends so they can install a waterproof barrier. Once the waterproof barrier has been installed, crews will pave the bridge ends, which is anticipated to occur this week, weather and other factors permitting. During excavation and paving, traffic on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge will be reduced to a single lane and controlled by temporary traffic lights.

Crews will also be installing guardrail in the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 (I 15). MDT anticipates that traffic will return to normal within the next few weeks, weather and other factors permitting.

Traffic traveling in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

October 23, 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge this week. Crews are excavating the bridge ends so they can install a waterproof barrier. Once the waterproof barrier has been installed, crews will pave the bridge ends. While excavation and paving occur, traffic on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is reduced to a single lane and controlled by temporary traffic lights.

Traffic traveling in both directions on Interstate 15 (I 15) has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

October 16, 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge this week. Crews are excavating the bridge ends so they can install a waterproof barrier. Once the waterproof barrier has been installed, crews will pave the bridge ends. While excavation and paving occur, traffic on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is reduced to a single lane and controlled by temporary traffic lights.

On the southbound bridges at Jefferson City, Clancy, and south of Montana City, crews will be grooving the new bridge decks and applying sealant, weather and other factors permitting. Grooving and sealing concrete helps with drainage, crack control, and traction.

Traffic traveling in both directions on Interstate 15 (I 15) has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

October 10, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will resume activities on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge, requiring single-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights. Crews will excavate the bridge ends to install a waterproof barrier, and then pave.

Traffic traveling in both directions on Interstate 15 (I 15) has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

October 2, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will finish subgrade and gravel activities, and begin paving bridge ends on the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

Traffic traveling in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

Cones are in place down the centerline of the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge until final striping is completed. Crews are anticipated to return in October for this work, which will require single-lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights.

September 25, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will begin subgrade activities on the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

Last week, paving was completed on the I 15 crossovers between South Helena and Montana City. Lane and speed restrictions north of Montana City are no longer in place.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

Cones are in place down the centerline of the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge until final striping is completed. Crews are anticipated to return in October for this work, which will require single-lane traffic.

September 18, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue milling activities and begin preparing for asphalt overlays on the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

Last week, paving activities on the I 15 crossovers between South Helena and Montana City were delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Paving is now scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of this week, weather and other factors permitting.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

Cones are in place down the centerline of the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge until final striping is completed. Crews will return in mid-September for this work, which will require single-lane traffic.

September 11, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue to work on the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

Crews will work on milling bridge ends between Clancy and Montana City to prepare for paving. Paving activities will also occur on the I 15 crossovers between South Helena and Montana City, weather and other factors permitting.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

Cones are in place down the centerline of the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge until the final striping is completed. Crews will return in mid-September for this work, which will require single-lane traffic.

September 5, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue to work on the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

Crews will work on various clean-up activities and guardrail end section widening between Clancy and Montana City. Bridge deck repair will continue on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge, with crews completing epoxy injections and installing fiber-reinforced plastic.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds of 65 mph, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

A 16-foot width restriction on I 15 remains in place.

Cones are in place down the centerline of the Jefferson City Interchange bridge until the final striping is completed. Crews will return in mid-September for this work, which will require single-lane traffic.

August 21, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue to work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge and the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane, with traffic signals controlling traffic. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge.

There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15. Wide loads over 16 feet will be piloted between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning Friday, July 21.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

August 14, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will continue to work on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge and the southbound Interstate 15 (I 15) bridges between Clancy and Montana City.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane, with traffic signals controlling traffic. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge.

There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15. Wide loads over 16 feet will be piloted between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning Friday, July 21.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel on the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

August 7, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will pour concrete for the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge barrier rail.

Crews will also place bridge deck overlay concrete on the southbound Clancy Interchange Bridge on Interstate 15 (I 15).

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane, with traffic signals controlling traffic. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge.

There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15. Wide loads over 16 feet will be piloted between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning Friday, July 21.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel in the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

July 31, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will pour concrete on the second half of the Jefferson City Bridge deck.

Crews will also begin preparing other bridge decks along Interstate 15 (I 15) between Clancy and Montana City for concrete overlay and repair work.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane, with traffic signals controlling traffic. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge.

There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15. Wide loads over 16 feet will be piloted between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning Friday, July 21.

Traffic in both directions on I 15 has been rerouted to travel in the northbound lanes. Expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and minor delays. On the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

July 24, 2023

Last week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West moved traffic to the northbound lanes between Clancy and Montana City via Interstate 15 (I 15) crossovers.

This week, crews will begin hydromilling the southbound bridge at Clancy. Hydromilling is a concrete removal technique that uses abrasive high-pressure water to prepare a bridge deck for resurfacing.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane, and traffic is controlled by traffic signals. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge. There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15. Wide loads over 16 feet will be piloted between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning Friday, July 21.

The speed limit is reduced to 65 mph in the northbound lanes of I 15, where traffic is traveling in both directions. In the interstate crossovers, the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph.

July 17, 2023

This week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West will move traffic to the northbound lanes between Clancy and Montana City to begin pavement striping along the crossovers. The new striping will begin at the first crossover south of Clancy and continue to the third crossover south of Montana City.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane, and traffic is controlled by traffic signals. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge. There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15 under the bridge.

For the rest of the summer, I 15 will be restricted to one lane in each direction with a reduced speed limit of 55 mph throughout the project area.

June 12, 2023

Last week's work on interstate crossovers will continue this week.

Bridge deck barrier rail is being placed on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge. Frontier West is removing concrete forms and preparing to switch traffic to the new bridge deck.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge is restricted to one lane and controlled with signal lights. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge. There is a 16-foot width restriction on Interstate 15 (I 15) under the bridge.

For the rest of the summer, I 15 will be restricted to one lane in each direction with a reduced speed limit of 55 mph through the project area.

June 7, 2023

Work continues on interstate crossovers. Bridge deck barrier rail will be placed on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge this week. Frontier West will be removing concrete forms and preparing to switch traffic to the new bridge deck the following week.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge will be restricted to one lane for the duration of construction and controlled with signal lights. There is an 11-foot width restriction across the bridge. Interstate 15 (I 15) traffic under the bridge will remain a single lane in each direction.

For the rest of the summer, I 15 will be restricted to one lane in each direction with a reduced speed limit of 55 mph through the project area.

May 30, 2023

The first half of the new bridge deck for the Jefferson City Interchange is scheduled to be poured the week of May 29th (postponed last week due to rain) weather permitting. During this time, Interstate 15 (I 15) traffic will be routed over the on- and off-ramps at Jefferson City.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge will be restricted to one lane for the duration of construction and controlled with signal lights. There is an 11-foot width restriction for those traveling across the Interchange bridge. I 15 traffic under the bridge will remain a single lane in each direction.

I 15 will be restricted to one lane in each direction along this section for the rest of the summer. All areas will be posted at 55 mph. All on- and off-ramps will be open as usual. There is a 16-foot width restriction in place on I 15.

April 17, 2023

This week, lane closures and speed limits will be reinstalled on Interstate 15 (I 15), and work will begin on Jefferson City Interchange Bridge deck demolition.

Traffic control consists of single-lane traffic in each direction on I 15 with a reduced speed limit of 55 mph. During daytime hours, while work is being done on deck demolition, traffic will be routed over the on- and off-ramps at Exit 176 in both directions. Traffic will be put back onto I 15 at the end of each working day. There is a 16-foot width restriction on I 15.

The contractor will saw-cut through the concrete deck, jackhammer the concrete into pieces, and cut the reinforcing steel, so only the beams will remain in place. Then a new deck will be built. Work will be conducted one lane at a time to keep the bridge open to traffic.

The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge will be restricted to one lane for the duration of construction and controlled with signal lights. There is an 11-foot width restriction over the bridge.

April 12, 2023

Interstate 15 (I 15) traffic is merged to one lane in each direction with reduced speeds under the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge. The bridge itself is down to one-way traffic controlled by signal lights.

Later this week, traffic control on I 15 will be removed, and access will be restored to two lanes in each direction. The Jefferson City Interchange Bridge will remain at one lane while work is ongoing.

Frontier West anticipates bridge deck demolition on the Jefferson City Interchange Bridge early next week.