Major Delays Expected: New Bridge Updates Across Montana

BUTTE, MT - Montana’s road infrastructure is set for a major transformation, but not without significant impacts on travel.

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The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD), is moving forward with the replacement of 11 aging bridges in Montana.

While these improvements aim to accommodate future growth and ensure long-term safety, the necessary construction work will bring road closures, detours, and potential delays for commuters and local businesses.

Here’s what you need to know about the project, its benefits, and the potential headaches it may cause in the coming years.

Which Bridges Are Being Replaced?

Eight of the bridges slated for replacement are located along Montana Highway 81, spanning the route between Montana Highway 80 (west of Denton) and U.S. Highway 191 (north of Lewistown).

Given that Highway 81 serves as a key connector in the region, closures and detours are likely to impact agricultural transport, local commuters, and access to small businesses.

The remaining three bridges are located in the following areas:

• Montana Secondary Highway 400, southwest of Hobson
• Montana Secondary Highway 238, southeast of Lewistown
• Montana Secondary Highway 297, north of Shawmut

These highways, though secondary routes, provide critical access for rural communities.

Construction delays could significantly impact daily travel and emergency response times in these areas.

What to Expect: Closures, Delays, and Detours

While exact closure details are still in development, drivers should expect intermittent lane closures, full bridge shutdowns, and temporary reroutes throughout the multi-year construction period.

The progressive design-build contracting method—allowing Morrison-Maierle and Sletten Construction to work simultaneously on multiple bridges—should accelerate the process, but it won’t eliminate the inconvenience.

The following challenges are anticipated:

• Longer Commutes – Drivers using Montana Highway 81 will need to plan for detours, potentially increasing travel time significantly.

• Agricultural Transport Delays – Many of these bridges serve ranchers and farmers moving equipment and goods. Alternate routes may not always be suitable for large loads.

• Impact on Local Businesses – Businesses along affected highways may see reduced traffic, especially during peak construction phases.

• Seasonal Disruptions – Montana’s unpredictable weather could cause delays, extending the project beyond the planned timeline.

Why This Essential Bridge Project Matters to Montana

Despite the short-term frustrations, the bridge replacements are necessary.

Many of these structures are outdated and no longer meet modern safety standards, posing a risk to drivers.

With increasing regional traffic and potential defense-related infrastructure needs, updating these bridges is a proactive move to prevent future failures.

Additionally, with partial funding from the Defense Access Road (DAR) program, the project underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure for defense initiatives in Montana.

When Will This Bridge Project Begin and End?

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue until 2028, but the timeline is subject to change.

Variables such as weather conditions, material availability, and unforeseen complications could extend the project.

For ongoing updates, MDT has provided a dedicated project page:
Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures Project

Final Thoughts: Prepare Now for Roadwork Realities

While these bridge replacements will ultimately make Montana’s roads safer and more efficient, the next several years could prove challenging for drivers in the region.

Anyone who regularly travels along the affected routes should begin planning for alternative travel options, increased commute times, and potential business impacts.

With a project of this scale, some degree of frustration is inevitable.

But with careful planning and community awareness, Montana drivers can navigate the disruptions while looking ahead to a more reliable transportation network.