November 23-27, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project has finished for the season.
Crews have completed all major construction at both the Judith River and Warm Spring Creek bridges. Work on final paving, striping and other finishing touches will resume in the spring.
Traffic is open on both lanes and width restrictions have been lifted. Drivers can expect reduced speeds at both the Judith River and Warm Spring Creek sites through the winter months.
If you will be traveling for the holidays, please remember to travel safely, buckle up and drive sober.
At this time of Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful our patient and supportive community as we have worked to complete this important project. Thank you!
November 16-20, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of November 16.
Guardrail installation will take place this week at the Judith River Bridge. This is the last step in construction for the winter. Crews will return in the spring for finishing touches and painting. Traffic is currently open on both lanes and the width restriction has been lifted.
Drivers can expect reduced speeds at both the Judith River Bridge and the Warm Spring Creek Bridge sites through the winter months.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
November 9-13, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of November 9.
Crews will be removing the temporary bridge approach and final grading of the project area will take place this week at the Judith River Bridge site. It is anticipated that traffic will be opened to two lanes of travel and width restrictions will be lifted. Speeds are reduced through the area and drivers should use caution when traveling through the project site.
At the Warm Spring Creek, all lanes of traffic have been opened; however, speeds are reduced through the work zone.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
November 2-6, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of November 2.
Traffic will be transitioned to two lanes on the Judith River Bridge as crews enter the final stages of construction. Drivers can expect intermittent single-lane traffic as guardrail is installed and minor construction is completed.
At the Warm Spring Creek, all lanes of traffic have been opened; however, speeds are reduced through the work zone to accommodate the final stages of construction.
Both areas are considered active work zones. Speeds are reduced and drivers should use caution as they travel through either project site.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
October 26-30, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of October 26.
Crews are preparing the Judith River site for the move of the new bridge superstructure into its permanent position.
This move will take place on October 29 and 30. The work will require a complete road closure at the Judith River bridge from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on both days. During the closure periods, all traffic will need to take an alternate route. Flaggers will be on site during the closure to assist drivers in finding alternate routes.
A 12-foot width restriction is still in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
At the Warm Spring Creek, crews continue with finishing touches at the project site. All lanes of traffic have been opened; however, speeds are reduced through the work zone to accommodate the final stages of construction.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
October 19-23, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of October 19.
Construction of the of the Judith River bridge substructure is complete. Focus will turn to backfilling behind the substructure and paving work this week.
Crews are preparing to move the superstructure into its final position. This move will take place on October 29 and 30. This work will require a complete road closure at the Judith River bridge from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on both days. During the closure periods, all traffic will need to take an alternate route. Flaggers will be on-site during the closure to assist drivers in finding alternate routes.
A 12-foot width restriction is still in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
At the Warm Spring Creek, crews are adding finishing touches to the bridge. All lanes of traffic have been opened; however, speeds are reduced through the work zone to accommodate the final stages of construction.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
October 12-16, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of October 12.
Substructure construction continues on the new bridge at Judith River. The substructure is the part of the bridge that supports the bridge and distributes the weight on the bridge down to the footings.
Drivers can expect single-lane travel and reduced speeds through the area.
A 12-foot width restriction is in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
At the Warm Spring Creek, traffic has been opened on all lanes. As this remains an active construction site, drivers are encouraged to slow down and use caution when traveling through the area. Speeds are still reduced and fines double in work zones.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
October 5-9, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of October 5.
Substructure construction is moving forward on the new bridge at Judith River. Drivers can expect single-lane travel and reduced speeds through the area.
A 12-foot width restrictions is in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
At the Warm Spring Creek, traffic has been opened on all lanes. As this remains an active construction site, drivers are encouraged to slow down and use caution when traveling through the area. Speeds are still reduced and fines double in work zones.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
September 28 - October 2, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of September 28.
Demolition of the old bridge has been completed at the Judith River site. Crews continue with building of the substructure on the new bridge. Speeds are reduced through the area and traffic is flowing on a single lane.
A 12-foot width restrictions is in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
At the Warm Spring Creek, all lanes of traffic have been opened. This is still an active construction site as crews work on finishing touches to the new bridge. Speeds are still reduced and drivers are encouraged to use caution as they travel through the construction site.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
September 21-25, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of September 21.
Demolition of the old bridge continues at Judith River. This week, construction crews will be driving pile to build the new foundation and completing general site work. Traffic is flowing on a single lane.
A 12-foot width restriction is in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
At the Warm Spring Creek, guardrail has been installed and both lanes have been opened to traffic. Speeds are still reduced, and drivers should use caution as they travel through the work zone.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
September 14-18, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of September 14.
At the Warm Spring Creek, crews are continuing with paving of the new bridge. Installation of the curb and guardrail will also take place this week.
Demolition of the old bridge is underway at Judith River and traffic has been transitioned to the new structure. A 12-foot width restriction is in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
Traffic remains on a single lane and speeds are reduced through both project areas.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
September 7-11, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of September 7.
Milling and paving has begun on the Warm Springs Creek bridge and will continue throughout the week.
Crews have finished the initial paving at the Judith River bridge. Traffic has been transitioned to the new bridge and removal of the old structure will take place over the coming weeks. A 12-foot width restriction is in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
Traffic remains on a single lane and speeds are reduced through both project areas.
Monday, September 7 is Labor Day. While crews will not be present over the holiday weekend, single-lane closures will remain in place and drivers should use caution while traveling through the project areas.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
August 31 - September 4, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of August 31.
Paving has begun on the Warm Springs Creek bridge and is anticipated to continue for the next couple of weeks. Traffic may be transitioned between lanes as paving work is completed.
Crews are paving at the Judith River bridge as well. Traffic will be transitioned to the new bridge structure and demolition of the old bridge will begin. Beginning this week, 12-foot width restrictions will be in place through the Judith River construction area. Any loads exceeding 12 feet will be required to take an alternate route.
Traffic remains on a single lane and speeds are reduced through both project areas.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
August 24-28, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of August 24.
Work on the Warm Spring Creek bridge is moving forward. Backfilling has been completed on the bridge approaches. This week, crews will be installing guardrail and will begin preparation for paving.
At the Judith River bridge, the bridge deck has finished curing and crews will begin the process of grooming the bridge in preparations for the final phases of construction. Near the beginning of September, traffic will be transitioned to the new structure and removal of the old bridge will begin.
Traffic remains on a single lane and speeds are reduced through both project areas.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
August 17-21, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of August 17.
At Warm Spring Creek, construction continues on the new bridge. Back walls and wing walls have all been poured. Crews will backfill the area next week. Backfilling near the back walls created the approach that connects the roadway to the bridge. Traffic remains on a single lane while the bridge is being completed.
The bridge deck has been poured on the Judith River bridge. The bridge deck is the surface of the bridge that is driven on. The bridge deck will need to be cured before any further work can be done. Crews will allow the deck to cure this week before proceeding to the next area of construction. Traffic is flowing on a single lane through the area.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
August 10-14, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of August 10.
At Warm Spring Creek, construction continues on the new bridge. Traffic continues to travel on a single lane through the area and speeds are reduced. The back walls and wing walls of the bridge have been set and backfilling will begin this week. Wing walls provide support to the bridge structure, protect the embankment and allow the water to flow smoothly under the bridge.
Construction moves forward at the Judith River Bridge as well. The bridge deck has been formed and crews will pour the bridge deck this week. Drivers can expect single-lane traffic while bridgework is completed.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
August 3-7, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of August 3.
At Warm Spring Creek, construction continues on the new bridge. The beams have been set on the new structure and crews will begin work on the back walls of the bridge. Once that is completed, the area around the bridge will be backfilled. Traffic continues to travel on a single lane through the area and speeds are reduced.
Construction moves forward at the Judith River Bridge as well. The gravel base is in place and crews will be decking the new bridge for the next two weeks. Drivers can expect single-lane traffic while bridgework is completed.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
July 27-31, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of July 27.
At Warm Spring Creek, construction continues on the new bridge. Concrete has been poured and backfilling around the foundation has taken place. This week, the beams will be set on the new structure. Traffic is still moving on a single lane through the work zone.
At the Judith River Bridge, structural steel is being placed and crews will continue forming the deck this week. Traffic has been reduced to a single-lane and a traffic signal is being utilized to direct travelers safely through the area.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
July 20-24, 2020
Construction on the MT 81 Bridges project continues for the week of July 20.
At Warm Spring Creek, construction continues on the new bridge. Crews are working on the sub-structure so that beams may be placed. The remainder of the beams are scheduled to be set the week of July 27. Traffic will continue to flow on a single-lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal remains in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
At the Judith River Bridge, structural steel is being placed in preparation for decking of the new bridge. The bridge deck is the surface of the bridge that is driven on. Traffic has been reduced to a single-lane and a traffic signal is being utilized to direct travelers safely through the area.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
July 13-17, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of July 13.
Guardrail work has been completed at the culvert. The construction zone is being removed and traffic will return to normal.
At Warm Spring Creek, construction continues on the new structure. Crews are pile driving and adding forming caps. This is the structure the bridge beams will rest on. Traffic will continue to flow on a single lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal remains in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
Beginning July 13, traffic at the Judith Bridge will be reduced to a single lane. Drivers can expect lower speeds through the area as structural steel is set for the new bridge.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
July 6-10, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of July 6.
At Warm Spring Creek, traffic has been diverted to the new bridge and construction on the upstream half of the new structure has begun. Traffic will continue to flow on a single lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal remains in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
This week at Judith River, preparations are being made for the start of construction. A staging area and access road are being added to the barrow pit. Traffic is currently flowing normally in all lanes; however, speeds are reduced through the area. Construction and single-lane closures are anticipated to begin July 13.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
June 29 - July 3, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of June 29.
At Warm Spring Creek, traffic will be diverted to the new bridge as crews begin removal of the south half of the old structure.
Traffic will continue to flow on a single lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal remains in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
This week at Judith River, crews continue with staging the work area in preparation for construction. Traffic is flowing normally in all lanes; however, speeds are reduced through the area.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
June 22-26, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of June 22.
At Warm Spring Creek, crews continue construction on the new bridge structure. Concrete has been poured for the backwalls and the focus will turn to backfilling the approaches to connect the roadway to the bridge.
Traffic is flowing on a single lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal is in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
Work will begin at Judith River this week. Crews will be staging a work area and an access road in the barrow pits, followed by pile driving to prep the area for construction. Speeds will be reduced to 35 mph in the work zone.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
Click on the image for a larger view
June 15-19, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of June 15.
At Warm Spring Creek, crews continue construction on the new bridge structure. Beams have been set on the new bridge and concrete will be poured this week for the backwalls. A backwall is a retaining wall of sorts at the ends of a bridge. The backwall goes behind the beams to add support to the bridge and provide a connection to the roadway.
Traffic is flowing on a single lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal is in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
June 8-12, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of June 8.
At Warm Spring Creek, crews continue construction on the new bridge structure. Installation of girders on the new bridge will begin this week. Girders are beams used to support the part of the bridge travelers drive on. Traffic is reduced to a single lane and speeds are reduced through the area. A traffic signal is in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
Construction is nearly finished at the irrigation culvert. Drivers can expect reduced speeds through the area. Flaggers may occasionally be on site to complete guard rail installation; however, traffic disruptions, if any, will be minimal.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
Click on the image for a larger view
May 25-29, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of May 25.
At Warm Spring Creek, traffic is reduced to a single lane while crews continue construction on the new bridge structure. Speeds are reduced and a traffic signal is in place to guide travelers through the construction zone.
Paving is complete on the irrigation culvert and traffic is flowing in both lanes. Drivers can expect reduced speeds through the area. Flaggers may occasionally be on site to complete guard rail installation; however, traffic disruptions, if any, will be minimal.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
Click on the image for a larger view
May 18-22, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of May 18.
At the irrigation culvert, traffic is moving on the two-lane gravel detour while crews work to complete paving on the bridge. A signal is in place to guide traffic through the area and speeds are reduced. Drivers may expect single-lane closures and flaggers from time to time as necessary. Paving work is weather dependent.
Construction has begun on the Warm Spring Creek bridge. Crews are finishing structure removal on the north half of the bridge and construction will begin on the new structure. Traffic is being routed through a single lane on the south half of the bridge. A traffic signal is in place and drivers can expect reduced speeds through the area.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
May 11-15, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of May 11.
Construction is nearing completion on the irrigation canal near Meadow Creek Road and only a few finishing touches remain. Opening of both lanes to traffic over the canal is anticipated this week, however, while guard rail work and paving are being completed, drivers can expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures and flaggers in the area.
Construction will begin this week on the northern downstream portion of the Warm Springs Creek bridge. Drivers can expect single lane closures and a traffic signal to guide travel through the project area.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
May 4-8, 2020
The Montana Department of Transportation’s MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of May 4 over an irrigation canal near Meadow Creek Road. Drivers can expect single-lane traffic with a traffic signal in place.
This work has been occurring in two phases. Phase 1 involved removing half of the bridge and installing the box culvert in its place. In Phase 2, crews remove the remaining half of the bridge and install another box culvert in its place. Phase 2 is almost complete, meaning that work is wrapping up at this location. Crews are focusing on filling in the area around the culvert and prepping for traffic to flow in both directions.
Crews will soon start construction on the Warm Spring Creek Bridge near Plum Creek Road. Work will follow a similar pattern of occurring in two phases, with crews working on one half of the bridge while traffic flows on the remaining half.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
April 27 - May 1, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of April 27 over an irrigation canal near Meadow Creek Road. Drivers can expect single-lane traffic with a traffic signal in place.
Crews have fully removed the bridge structure and traffic is now flowing over a portion of the recently installed box culvert. Box culverts are tunnel-like structures that allow water to flow under the road.
This work is happening in two phases and we are currently in Phase 2. Phase 1 involved removing half of the bridge and installing the box culvert in its place. In Phase 2, crews remove the remaining half of the bridge and install another box culvert in its place. Crews will pave over the top surface of these structures at the end of installation, providing a seamless route for the roadway.
These structures will provide a longer-lasting, safer, and smoother crossing, while also requiring less maintenance. Once finished, traffic will flow safely over the box culverts in both directions.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
April 20-24, 2020
The MT-81 Bridges project continues construction for the week of April 20-24 over an irrigation canal near Meadow Creek Road. Travel on MT-81 by this work will be limited to one lane and a traffic signal will be in place.
Crews are replacing the bridge with a box culvert, a tunnel-like structure that allows water to flow underneath the road. This work is happening in two phases. Phase 1 involves removing half of the bridge and installing the box culvert in its place. In Phase 2, crews will remove the remaining half of the bridge and will install another box culvert in its place.
Workers are nearing the end of Phase 1. They have finished placing the box culvert and will focus work next week on filling in the area around the culvert.
The project is still on schedule to finish in October. In May, work on the irrigation canal is expected to be complete and the focus of the project will transition to Warm Spring Creek Bridge and Judith River Bridge.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.
April 13-17, 2020
Construction on the MT-81 Bridges project continues for the week of April 13-17 over an irrigation canal near Meadow Creek Road. Crews are replacing the bridge with a box culvert, a tunnel-like structure that will allow water to flow underneath the road.
There are currently no delays in schedule. Crews will be removing one side of the existing bridge and will prepare the area for installing the box culvert. They will also begin putting the structure in place.
Travel on MT-81 by this work will be limited to one lane. A traffic signal will be in place to help guide travelers through the area. Wide loads wider than 14 feet are advised to take another route.
Our project hotline is open for questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 406-207-4484 to reach us.