THOMPSON FALLS — Starting this week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is making safety improvements to Highway 200 in Sanders County.

The project is located between milepost 56 and 60, approximately seven miles east of Thompson Falls. The construction work zone begins near the Thompson River Bridge and extends 2.7 miles east toward Plains.

During construction:

- One lane is anticipated to remain open.

- Short-term closures may be necessary for rock removal.

- Traffic will be controlled by a stoplight or flaggers.

- Speed limits will be reduced; slow down and use caution.

Construction of the East of Thompson River-East project will take place in two phases. The first phase of construction was anticipated to begin the week of Nov. 12 and be completed by the end of the year. The second phase of construction is anticipated to begin next spring and be completed in 2019.

This section of road was built in the 1930s and has a higher-than-average crash rate, due in large part to wildlife and rocks falling into the roadway. The project improvements will help improve safety and ensure the longevity of the road well into the future.

Improvements include:

- Widening the travel lanes to 12 feet, adding 4-foot-wide shoulders and guardrails.

- Stabilizing uphill slopes, removing rocks and installing rock fall barriers.

- Extending wildlife fencing and installing Wildlife Deterrent Mats.

- Installing a wildlife crossing underpass bridge and pipe culvert.

Construction phasing, scheduling and traffic impacts are dependent on weather and may change unexpectedly. The public is encouraged to check www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ for changes.

To sign up for construction email updates, text TRIVER to 22828. Questions and comments can be directed to Brandon Coates at Brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350. Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request.