Motorists traveling Highway 200 west of Sćilíp (formerly Dixon) will soon see construction crews at work as the Montana Department of Transportation begins a major pavement preservation project aimed at improving road conditions and extending the life of the highway.

The project, which the state is completing with Riverside Contracting, Inc., is expected to begin the week of June 1, depending on weather conditions. 

Work will take place along an 8-mile stretch of Montana 200, starting about 5 miles east of the intersection with Montana 135 and continuing east to near Vandenburg Creek. 

According to the transportation department, crews will mill the existing roadway surface before applying a new asphalt overlay. The project will also include a chip seal treatment, upgraded pavement markings, and new signage. 

Construction is expected to continue through mid-October, with crews working daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes while traveling through the work zone. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in some areas and controlled by flaggers, pilot cars, and temporary traffic signals. Motorists should slow down, pay attention to posted signs and use extra caution in the construction area.

The highway improvement project is designed to preserve the roadway and help maintain safer travel conditions for local residents, commercial traffic, and visitors using the busy corridor. Travelers can find updates on road conditions and construction activity through the state’s 511 traveler information system at 511 Montana. Questions or comments about the project can be directed to Joan Redeen at 406-396-1978 or by email at [email protected].