Interstate 90 between Huson and Alberton already has a large bridge refurbishing project that has been going on most of the summer, and another one is starting.

The amount of wear and tear on this bridge is normal for its age but it needs repair. The Montana Department of Transportation and Frontier West are beginning construction to rehabilitate another bridge that carries I-90 traffic over the Clark Fork River, 6 miles east of Alberton.

The new construction zone will tie into this existing one as the next bridge going east is about to be rebuilt. Construction activities include replacing the bridge deck (driving surface), upgrading guardrails, replacing bridge joints and bearings, repairing bridge beams (girders), painting portions of the steel superstructure to slow corrosion, and resurfacing the pavement approaches to the bridge.

All of the bridges on I-90 were built in the 1960s and have had minor rehabilitations, but this project will rehabilitate several bridge components so that it is able to serve the traveling public for many years.

The river beneath the bridge will remain open, but signage may direct boat and raft traffic to one side of the river at times. MDT anticipates construction will take two construction seasons to complete.

Work will not take place over the winter and traffic will return to its normal configuration. For the safety of the public and construction workers, MDT encourages motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down, and use caution through work zones.

MDT anticipates construction will take two construction seasons to complete. Work will not take place over the winter and traffic will return to its normal configuration. For current traffic conditions and up-to-date construction information, visit 511mt.net.