The Montana Department of Transportation this week will begin replacement of a combination irrigation and drainage culvert under Montana 212 about 5 miles south of Charlo.

According to the transportation department, the metal culvert was likely installed when the road was originally constructed many years ago and has experienced significant rusting over time.

“The rust caused the culvert to lose its structural integrity and collapse,” the DOT stated in a media release.

The culvert is used for water irrigation and drainage for the surrounding area, but is currently incapable of funneling the volume of water required to meet current demands.

“As a farm kid myself, we are certainly sensitive to the needs of the agricultural community,” Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said. “Our priority is to restore water flow through the area and to do it as quickly and with as little disruption possible,”.

Crews will replace the culvert and reconstruct a section of Montana 212. Doing so will require a detour of traffic to Crow Dam Road and Ridgeway Road. This detour is an additional 4 miles of gravel road. Along with reduced speeds through the detour route, drivers can expect digital road signs and traffic signals to alert travelers to construction.

According to the department, Montana 212 is not only accessed by area residents but is quite frequently used by tourists as a cut through to Glacier National Park. Work on the culvert is anticipated to continue through mid-August. All drivers should plan additional time to travel through the area.

Anyone desiring more information on the project is encouraged to send an email to kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 406-207-4484.