Work underway on U.S. Highway 2 east of Havre

Work is being done on Highway 2 east of Havre, which may delay drivers on that road for the next few weeks.

Montana Department of Transportation Havre Area Engineering Project Manager Mike Moore said MDT and Schellinger Construction are milling off the top section of the roadway and placing new pavement.

The project starts just west of Pork Chop Hill and runs about 10 miles east.

He said they are also performing a chip seal, replacing signs, removing guardrails at the bus turnouts along the route, and updating the walking path with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant warning devices.

The two existing concrete bridge decks on the project will receive a seal preservation treatment as well, he said.

The chip seal will be done to the east edge of Havre, where the asphault meets the concrete.

Moore said the road, which was originally reconstructed in 2010 and 2011, faced settlement issues within a few years of completion and due to the volume of traffic and heavy loads the integrity of the existing pavement is being threatened.

"By milling and repaving the top section of the roadway, these long-term issues can be mitigated, and return the comfortable ride to the traveling public," he said.

He said work replacing signs began in spring but the milling didn't begin until last Thursday, June 15, with paving starting Monday.

Moore said paving is expected to be completed by the Fourth of July weekend and the chip seal will follow shortly after.

Until then, he said, travelers can expect 35-mph work zone speeds during the day with 10-15 minute wait times guided by pilot cars, traffic signals, and walk-back flaggers and these restrictions will continue until chip seal operations are complete in early July.

He said travelers can find construction information on the MDT website at mdt.mt.gov under "traveler info."