When you see the geese migrating north next spring, watch for the orange cones and barrels to return on I-90.

But for now, the Montana Department of Transportation and Frontier West have paused construction for the winter on three I-90 bridge projects near Alberton. Crews anticipate returning in spring 2024 to continue work on the bridges. 

The amount of work remaining on each bridge varies from project to project. 

Work on the eastbound bridge over the Clark Fork River located 5 miles east of Alberton will include sealing the new concrete bridge deck, painting portions of the steel substructure, paving the bridge ends, and applying final pavement markings. This winter, crews are placing jacking frames under the westbound bridge in preparation to lift the bridge deck and replace bearings in 2024. This work is expected to have minimal impacts on traffic and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

On the east and westbound bridge 6 miles east of Alberton, additional improvements will be constructed in 2024. This rehabilitation work will extend the service life of the bridge and provide a smoother driving surface. 

Short-term repairs were also made on the westbound bridge that carries I-90 over the Alberton Gorge eight miles west of Alberton this fall with more on tap next year. These repairs will extend the service life of this bridge until a future project replaces the structure. 

“There has been a significant amount of bridge work completed on I-90 near Alberton in 2023, but there is more work to be done in 2024,” said John Benda, MDT Engineering Project Manager. “MDT, Frontier West, and Morrison-Maierle are working together to complete this work as efficiently as possible.”

That being said, MDT is not taking the winter off, but will be plowing the interstate, if snow arrives. 

Drivers are asked to be on the lookout for snowplows and give operators room to work. Many plows are hit by private vehicles each winter, with the potential to cause harm to all parties involved. 

Keep these tips in mind: · Don’t pass a plow when the TowPlow is deployed. (the TowPlow is the extension that stretches across 3-lanes). The operator will periodically rotate the TowPlow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass. 

Be aware that, where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may obscure the presence of additional plows in adjacent lanes.

When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce speed immediately.

When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline.

Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass, but remember, the road in front of the plow is likely not as clear as the road behind it. 

Find more plow safety information and winter driving tips at https://mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/winterdriving.aspx.