Most of us local (and some not-so-local) all travel the interstate 15 route through Wolf Creek between Great Falls and Helena. We’ve been traveling the route more frequently lately because our son’s orthodontist is in Helena.
This spring, MDT is starting up the second phase of their interstate 15 rehabilitation project at Wolf Creek. Last year they did reconstruction of 8 miles of the southbound lanes of the interstate … this year MDT will turn their attention to the northbound lanes. The entire project is slated to be finished in 2025.
It’s been said that Montana has two seasons, winter and road construction. Of course that isn’t true, but sometimes it might seem like it is with all of what goes on in our state to keep the roads in tip-top shape.
Call me crazy, but I’m kind of looking forward to us having to go through the construction zone this year. Our son just got his drivers license last year and him driving through Wolf Creek to Helena and back for his appointments through the zone will be good experience for him.
According to MDT (Montana Department of Transportation), the Interstate 15 rehabilitation project at Wolf Creek will rehabilitate the roadway, update existing guardrail and concrete barriers to meet modern standards, and upgrade storm drainage in the town of Wolf Creek.
Construction began in spring 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2025.
Work completed in 2023 included:
- Removing approximately two feet of degraded roadway material on the southbound lanes of I-15 and paving a new driving surface.
- Upgrading concrete barrier rails, metal guardrails, and signage on the southbound lanes.
- Adding road delineators (roadside markers) on the inside curves of the southbound lanes.
- Improving erosion control features.
Planned improvements for 2024-25:
- Removing and replacing approximately two feet of degraded roadway material on the northbound I-15 lanes and resurfacing adjacent ramps, crossroads, and pullouts.
- Upgrading concrete barrier rails, metal guardrail and signage on the northbound lanes.
- Adding roadside markers on the northbound lanes
- Replacing right-of-way fencing and cattle guards as needed.
- Adding new pavement markings.
- Lining and repairing I-15 culverts.
- Improving erosion control features.
- Storm drain upgrades in Wolf Creek.
- Updating curb ramps on Walsh Street, between Main Street and Recreation Road.
MDT goes on to say:
MDT identified this stretch of interstate as being worn down and in need of repairs. The purpose of this rehabilitation project is to extend the service life of the roadway, provide a smoother driving surface, and improve signage and markings for the roadway. The project will also upgrade roadside barriers and reduce issues that require regular maintenance within the corridor. The upgraded signage and roadway markers were included as part of this project to enhance safety features along this corridor.
What to expect during construction:
- Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
- Both north and southbound traffic will travel on the same side of I-15.
- Crossover traffic patterns will be in place throughout construction.
- Speed limits will be reduced.
- A 12-foot width restriction will be in place (visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date information.)
- Access to Wolf Creek and Augusta Interchange on- and off-ramps will be maintained.
- The work zone will be eight miles long.
- Wide loads are staged and allowed to travel through the project area between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring and be completed each fall. The interstate will return to normal traffic configurations throughout the winter months.
Stay Informed During Construction:
MDT will notify the public about traffic impacts and work activities through the project website, local media, mailings, social media, and email and text notifications during construction.
Current construction information and road conditions can be found on the MDT Travel Info App.
For more info on this particular MDT project, you can contact Tyler Manning
Public Involvement Coordinator RBCI, Inc.
406-333-7215 – Tyler@rbci.net
