The Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT), Sletten Construction and engineering consultant Morrison-Maierle, have begun the design phase of the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures Project, according to lewistownnews.com.
The project will replace 11 aging bridges in preparation for anticipated growth and increased traffic in the region.
In collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD), this project is partially funded through the Defense Access Road (DAR) program. That program supports essential highway improvements for defense initiatives, lewistownnews.com reported.
"MDT is thrilled to collaborate with our partners in replacing this critical infrastructure," said Mike Taylor, MDT Billings district administrator. "By replacing these aging bridges, we are enhancing transportation and connectivity to support regional growth and economic development. This project will help ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our growing communities."
Eight of the bridges are on Montana Highway 81 (MT 81) between the intersections with Montana Highway 80 (MT 80) west of Denton and U.S. Highway 191 (U.S. 191) north of Lewistown, according to lewistownnews.com.
Three others are on Montana Secondary Highway 400 (S 400) southwest of Hobson, Secondary Highway 238 (S 238) southeast of Lewistown, and Montana Secondary Highway 297 (S 297) north of Shawmut.
To replace the bridges rapidly, the project will use a progressive design-build contracting method. Multiple bridges will be bundled under one contract, allowing Morrison-Maierle to work alongside Sletten Construction from the start of the project. The partnership streamlines the process, moving the bridge replacement projects quickly from design to construction, according to lewistownnews.com.
Officials said the project team can develop better solutions, reduce project costs, ensure efficient environmental approvals and maintain quality.
"We're excited that work is already under way on these vital bridge replacements," said Jim Scoles, senior bridge engineer of Morrison-Maierle. "As we advance through the design phase, we encourage the community to stay informed, ask questions, and share their insights to help shape the project's success."
Construction is expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2028, pending the completion of the final design, material availability, weather and other unforeseen factors, lewistownnews.com reported.
For more information, visit https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/lewistownbridges/.
