WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont. — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and CK May Excavating, Inc. are scheduled to begin the Targhee Pass East Pavement Preservation project on Monday, June 29, which will complete pavement preservation activities along nearly 9 miles of U.S. Highway 20 (US 20), west of West Yellowstone.
“Work on this stretch of US 20 is part of an ongoing effort to preserve Montana’s transportation infrastructure and extend pavement life,” MDT Butte District Administrator Geno Liva said. “Upon completion, this project will enhance safety and improve driving conditions for motorists traveling through the corridor.”
Next week, crews will begin constructing the detour adjacent to the highway with minimal traffic impacts. Speed limits will be reduced where work is occurring to help ensure the safety of workers and travelers.
Work will pause by 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 and resume on Monday, July 6, in observance of the Fourth of July, with roadwork and additional traffic control planned for after the holiday weekend.
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Once roadwork begins, travelers should expect temporary lane closures, reduced speeds, and potential delays of up to 15 minutes, particularly during paving operations. Drivers may also encounter temporary traffic lights, flaggers, pilot cars, and construction equipment in the area.
MDT and CK May Excavating, Inc. are committed to keeping traffic moving safely and minimizing disruptions for travelers whenever possible.
Most of the project area will receive a seal and cover (chip seal) treatment, which applies a protective layer over the existing pavement to help prevent cracking and deterioration caused by weather and traffic.
Additional improvements will take place along the corridor. Between mile markers 0 and 1, crews will mill and overlay the roadway, removing the top layer of pavement and replacing it with new asphalt to create a smoother driving surface. Near mile marker 3.5, crews will replace a failing double culvert at Buttermilk Creek to improve drainage and help protect the roadway from future damage. Between mile markers 4.5 and 4.6, crews will complete a full-width roadway dig-out, removing damaged pavement and underlying materials, and rebuilding the road base to strengthen the roadway foundation.
To learn more about the project, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/targheepasseast.
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