Work started on culverts between Chinook, Harlem

Warmer weather means construction crews are back out on Montana roads, upgrading people's routes, Montana Department of Transportation said in a press release issued Thursday.

The Chinook to Harlem Culverts project will repair or replace over 20 deteriorating culverts along a 24 mile stretch of US 2 between Chinook and Harlem.

Culvert work will build a strong foundation for the complete reconstruction of the corridor planned within the next five years. Future projects will be more time and cost-efficient, as they will not need to repair or replace culverts during construction.

Crews began work on replacing culverts on U.S. Highway 2 Monday.

Motorists should expect crews on the ground, pulverizing the driving surface at culvert locations from the Milk River Bridge westbound to Chinook for four days this week. 

Once the driving surface is prepped for digging throughout the project, crews will begin culvert excavation, and work will primarily be between Harlem and Fort Belknap for the next few weeks. Crews will then proceed toward Chinook. 

Traffic will be controlled with signal lights and pilot cars. Work zones are posted at 35 mph, and travelers may experience 15-minute delays. The Ellis Road approach on either side of U.S. Highway 2 will be closed until work in the area is complete. Detour signs and barricades will direct traffic as needed.

MDT asks the traveling public to please be mindful as work progresses and expect reduced speed limits. Installation sites will be patched with traffic gravel or pavement millings, and the driving surface may be less than ideal at posted speeds until paving is complete. Loads wider than 14 feet may experience delays.