Cascade Courier - Your trusted local news source since 1910

WOLF CREEK, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting will begin work on the I 15 Wolf Creek North and South project the week of April 17. This project will rehabilitate approximately 7 miles of Interstate 15 (I 15) near Wolf Creek. The project area begins approximately 5 miles south of Wolf Creek and extends north to the Augusta Interchange (Exit 228).

Construction will begin on the southbound side of the interstate this spring. Both north and southbound traffic will travel on the northbound side of the interstate through the work zone. Additionally, speed limits will be reduced throughout the project area and a 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Wide loads over 12 feet will be staged on both ends of the work zone and allowed through at specific times of the day.

Access to the Wolf Creek and Augusta Interchange on- and off-ramps will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to take three construction seasons to complete. Work resurfacing southbound I 15 will take place in 2023. Northbound I 15 will be resurfaced in 2024, along with conjoining ramps and crossroads. In 2025, crews will return to chip seal the project and apply final pavement markings.

The purpose of the project is to improve the driving surface and enhance roadway safety on this 7-mile stretch of I 15. The extreme climate and numerous freeze/thaw cycles in Wolf Creek Canyon have caused the roadway material to degrade to the point where routine maintenance is no longer practical.

More information about the planned improvements and construction activities can be found at: http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/i15wolfcreek/. For current traffic conditions and up-to-date restrictions visit 511mt.net.

For the safety of the public and construction workers, MDT encourages motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down and use caution through work zones.

If you’d like to sign up to receive email notifications about construction activities, text WCNS to 22828. To receive text notifications, text WCNS to 866-434-0866 (toll-free). Questions and comments can be directed to Tyler Manning at Tyler@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350.

Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy by visiting: https://simpletexting.com/privacy-policy/

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.

Keep Your Focus on the Task at Hand: Driving!

Distracted driving is dangerous and involves any activity that takes your attention away from the task at hand and the road ahead. This includes using a mobile device, eating, drinking, talking or tending to passengers in your vehicle, adjusting your vehicle’s entertainment or navigation system, or anything that disrupts your focus. Text messaging or other communication with an electronic device while driving is one of the most common distracted driving behaviors. Many drivers don’t realize how deadly these actions can be but sending or reading a mobile message physically takes your eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds.

When driving at 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. If your attention is on anything other than driving and the road ahead, you put yourself, your passengers, and other roadway users at risk. Help keep our roads safe for everyone by putting distractions aside every time you operate a motor vehicle. Learn more about safe driving behaviors and how you can help Montana reach the goal of Vision Zero at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/.