Midway through summer and the orange-cone season is continues to bloom. The next batch or orangeness is on I-90 going west is from Saltese to Lookout Pass.

The Montana Department of Transportation along with construction partner Z&Z Asphalt, Inc., began crack sealing July 24 and this is expected to be a four-week project, weather dependent.

“This project is routine maintenance. The purpose of this maintenance project is to extend the service life of the roadway,” explained Joan Redeen, Executive Assistant of Communications for District 1 in Missoula.

Crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but this isn’t just a slowdown-project. Expect 10 to 15-minute delays, reduced speeds and single-lane traffic when traveling through the project area. Traffic may be routed onto the interstate shoulder when work is occurring.

“Crack seal material is basically flexible rubber,” she explained which has give in it for the varied weather conditions the last 11 miles of Mineral County experiences.

The project ends at the Montana/Idaho border for westbound travelers. The public is encouraged to contact Joan Redeen at 406-396-1978 with any questions or comments.