Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will be reconstructing seven miles of US 2 between Chinook and Harlem to improve roadway safety. The project begins at the Battle Creek Bridge six miles east of Chinook and ends seven miles west of Harlem. The existing railroad tracks generally run parallel and to the north of the highway. These improvements will enhance roadway safety and improve service to local communities, agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism along US 2.

MDT may shift parts of the roadway south to minimize impacts on the railroad during the widening process. The widening process along this section of US 2 will allow MDT to achieve a modern, 40-foot top width roadway, which includes 12ft travel lanes and 8ft shoulders, with the potential for passing lanes. MDT is also planning to replace all existing bridges and culverts within the project area.

This is a design phase project. The design phase will take 4-5 years and allows MDT to collect a variety of data that informs construction plans. Construction is estimated to begin after 2024.

Project Timeline and Cost

This project is currently in the design phase. It will likely be let for construction in December of 2024. Similar projects cost between $2 and $3 million per mile to build, depending on the number of bridges.

Impacts on the Public

During the design phase, impacts to the public will be minimal. Motorists may see periodic traffic control measures with reduced speeds and flaggers during field and survey work.

During construction, the traveling public should expect one-lane traffic with flaggers during regular work hours and two-lanes open during nights and weekends. There will also be several detours built to accommodate the reconstruction of the bridges.

MDT will work closely with the traveling public to ensure that wide loads, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, mail delivery, business accesses, and school bus routes are accommodated throughout construction.

UPN 9539000