US 2 construction beginning between Zurich and Harlem

Press release

The Montana Department of Transportation and its contractor, Wickens Construction, are beginning a project to reconstruct a portion of US Highway 2 between Zurich and Harlem.

"This project will enhance safety on this stretch of US 2," said MDT Engineering Project Manager Mike Moore. "We thank the traveling public in advance for their patience as construction starts in this area."

This project will widen a 7-mile stretch of US 2 between the intersections with Eight Mile Road, 4 miles east of Zurich, and Thirty Mile Road, just west of Harlem, to include 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders. The project will also add 2 miles of passing lanes in both directions.

During the fall of 2024, crews will grade the roadway shoulders and slopes and complete partial culvert placements. These operations will result in minor impacts on traffic, such as possible reduced speeds and short delays as equipment moves through the work zone. All work is dependent upon weather and other unforeseen factors. MDT will announce a start date for 2025 construction and details on anticipated impacts closer to spring.

To reduce environmental impacts, MDT Hydraulics has worked with Blaine County to design steepened roadside slopes. This has reduced right-of-way requirements and minimized impacts on the canal, railroad, and wetlands. With US 2 located on the Milk River floodplain, the capacity of the culverts and ditches will also be increased.

Members of the public can find more information on the project webpage at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eastzurich and by contacting Ella Currier at [email protected] or 406-465-7198.