Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and contractor CK May Excavating, Inc. have made significant progress on the Targhee Pass East Pavement Preservation project, which includes pavement preservation and other improvements along nearly 9 miles of U.S. Highway 20 (US 20), west of West Yellowstone. This project will extend the life of the roadway, enhance safety, improve driving conditions, and reduce maintenance needs for years to come.

The following improvements were completed in 2026:

• Between mile markers 0 and 1.2, crews milled and overlaid the roadway, removing the top layer of pavement and replacing it with new asphalt to create a smoother surface.
• Near mile marker 3.5, MDT replaced a failing double culvert at Buttermilk Creek, improving drainage and protecting the roadway.
• Between mile markers 4.5 and 4.6, southeast of the South Fork Madison River Bridge, crews completed a full-width roadway dig-out of damaged pavement and underlying materials. Crews then rebuilt the road, strengthening the highway’s foundation.

Crews will return in 2027 to apply a seal and cover (chip seal) on the new pavement at all three locations within the project corridor. Once this work is completed, the project will conclude.

UPN 10262000