Wednesday, July 15, 2026
81.0°F

Construction season begins on I-90 near Exit 5

MONTE TURNER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
by MONTE TURNER
Mineral Independent | April 23, 2025 12:00 AM

As a reminder, the bridge construction on I-90 between 9-Mile and Alberton is done, with smooth driving over the two bridges that were rebuilt in the last two summers.

But construction season for 2025 is here with a continuing project that started last year, which is the pavement reconstruction near Exit 5. 

The Montana Department of Transportation along with partner Acme Concrete Paving, Inc., are resuming work on the I-90 Lookout Pass to Taft project. Beginning 3 miles east of the Montana/Idaho border, the project continues east for approximately 3 miles and ends near the Taft Interchange. 

This year, crews will be replacing deteriorating asphalt with concrete pavement, upgrading surface drainage, replacing culverts and concrete barriers, improving lighting, and installing new signage on the westbound lanes of I-90. 

Work is scheduled to begin the week of April 21 and will be completed this fall, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. Crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Travelers can expect 10 to 15-minute delays, reduced speeds of 35 mph, lane shifts with crossovers to shift traffic to the eastbound side, and single-lane traffic when traveling through the project area. 

Traffic may be routed onto the interstate shoulder when work is occurring. Wide loads must be staged and they are allowed to travel through the project area between 7am and 9pm Mountain Standard Time Monday through Friday. Wide loads may contact Poteet at 406-360-8187 to schedule passage. 

The public is encouraged to contact Joan Redeen at 406-396-1978 with any questions or comments.

ARTICLES BY MONTE TURNER

River to Rails Jamboree draws off-road revelers to Haugan
July 15, 2026 midnight

River to Rails Jamboree draws off-road revelers to Haugan

More than 300 off-road enthusiasts from across the country rolled into the Haugan-DeBorgia area last weekend, and if their smiles were any indication, Montana made a memorable first impression.

Nominees selected for vacant Mineral County commissioner seat
July 15, 2026 midnight

Nominees selected for vacant Mineral County commissioner seat

Following Commissioner Shawn Smalley's resignation, the Mineral County Republican Central Committee met on July 8 to select three nominees for consideration by the remaining members of the Mineral County Board of Commissioners.

Paddling, music, yoga and games fill River Street Festival
July 15, 2026 midnight

Paddling, music, yoga and games fill River Street Festival

If there was one place to be this weekend, it was along the banks of the Clark Fork River where families, competitors and spectators gathered for the River Street Festival and the Great Montana SUP Sprint.