Work begins on U.S. Highway 2 project

  Schellinger Construction Co. Inc. began working last week on U.S. Highway 2 between Chinook and Havre, and will continue as long as weather holds.

"The Lohman East and West project on U.S. 2 is a $27,000,000 reconstruction project on U.S. 2 between mileposts 393.90 and 403.50," Great Falls District Projects Engineer Christie McOmber said.

She said the project, which starts near the former Unified Disposal dump extending to Chinook, is expected to provide passing lanes, turning lanes, new bridges, wider shoulders and flatter roadway side slopes.

"It will provide a safe and efficient highway that meets traffic needs," McOmber said.

The work right now will only include moving topsoil, adding fill to the side of the highway to prepare the road for widening and grading detours for bridge construction.

She said people should expect multiple work zones with short delays between 10 to 15 minutes Monday through Saturday.

The work zones will also have a reduced speed limit, from 70 mph to 35 mph.

"Traffic will be controlled by signals and flaggers," McOmber said. "Work will continue adjacent to the highway this fall for as long as weather allows."

The project is expected to be a two-year construction project, she added. The existing highway surface will not be disturbed until spring 2020.