August 7, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and contractor CK May Excavating, Inc. continue to make progress on the Targhee Pass East Pavement Preservation project, which will improve almost 9 miles of U.S. Highway 20 (US 20) west of West Yellowstone.
Wednesday, August 12, milling will begin between mile markers 0 and 1.2, near Targhee Pass.
Milling removes the top layer of pavement, which is then replaced with new asphalt, creating a smoother, longer-lasting driving surface.
Full-width roadway reconstruction between mile markers 4.53 and 4.62, southeast of the South Fork Madison River Bridge, was completed last week. Crews are scheduled to pave the area on Wednesday, August 12.
Work to replace the double culvert at Buttermilk Creek continues. Unforeseen site conditions have required additional materials and equipment, resulting in a short delay.
Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in all active work zones and controlled by temporary traffic signals and a pilot car. Travelers should expect reduced speeds and delays of up to 15 minutes.
When traveling through the project work zones, slow down, follow traffic control, and watch for workers and equipment.
All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.
July 24, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and contractor CK May Excavating, Inc. will complete the full-width roadway reconstruction between mile markers 4.53 and 4.62, southeast of the South Fork Madison River Bridge, early next week.
Once complete, two-lane traffic will resume through this section of the project.
Work to replace the double culvert at Buttermilk Creek continues. Unforeseen site conditions have required additional materials and equipment, resulting in a short delay.
Traffic will continue to use the single-lane detour, controlled by temporary traffic signals.
Travelers should expect reduced speeds and delays of up to 15 minutes.
In early August, crews will begin milling the roadway between mile markers 0 and 1.2, near Targhee Pass. Milling removes the top layer of pavement, which is then replaced with new asphalt, creating a smoother, longer-lasting driving surface.
When traveling through work zones, slow down, follow traffic control, and watch for workers and equipment.
All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.
Text/SMS Notifications*: The Targhee Pass East project is moving to a new text service on August 1. To sign up for updates on the new service, text TARGHEEPASS to 406-302-9922.
*Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to unsubscribe. Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information, see simpletexting.com.
July 17, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and contractor CK May Excavating, Inc. continue making progress on the Targhee Pass East Pavement Preservation project.
Beginning next week, crews will begin a full-width dig-out of the roadway between mile markers 4.53 and 4.62, southeast of the South Fork Madison River Bridge. Damaged pavement and underlying materials will be removed and rebuilt to strengthen the road foundation.
To prepare for this work, a single-lane closure will be in place starting today, Friday, July 17.
Work to replace the double culvert at Buttermilk Creek is also ongoing. Crews have modified the work plan to accommodate unforeseen site conditions requiring additional materials and equipment.
Traffic will continue to use the single-lane detour, controlled by temporary traffic signals.
Travelers should expect reduced speeds and delays of up to 15 minutes.
When traveling through work zones, slow down, follow traffic control, and watch for workers and equipment.
All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.
June 24, 2026
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and contractor CK May Excavating, Inc. will start work on the Targhee Pass East Pavement Preservation project on Monday, June 29, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
Crews will begin constructing the detour adjacent to the highway with minimal traffic impacts until after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Fourth of July Holiday Schedule: Work will pause by 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 and resume on Monday, July 6.
Throughout the project, motorists should anticipate reduced speeds. Once roadwork begins, travelers should also expect temporary lane closures and potential delays of up to 15 minutes, particularly during paving operations. Additionally, drivers may encounter temporary traffic lights, flaggers, pilot cars, and equipment in the area during active construction.
When traveling through project work zones, slow down, follow traffic control, and watch for workers and equipment.