The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and contractor Central Specialties Inc. will resume work this spring on Phase 3 of the five-phase Montana Highway 200 (MT 200) reconstruction project, east of Jordan.

This season, the project area will expand as Riverside Contracting begins Phase 4, continuing the efforts to rebuild and modernize nearly 37 mi. of highway between Jordan and Brockway. The work zone will start 2 mi. west of the Flowing Wells Rest Area and extend 14 mi. east, reaching approximately 7 mi. west of Brockway.

In addition, Central Specialties Inc. will begin a resurfacing project to improve Montana Highway 24 (MT 24) in the same area. This project begins at the Flowing Wells Rest Area and extends north for nearly 20 mi. toward Fork Peck Lake, a popular route for recreational travelers.

"We know there's a lot of construction happening east of Jordan this year, and we appreciate everyone's patience as these vital projects move forward," said Shane Mintz, MDT Glendive District Administrator. "These projects represent a significant investment in eastern Montana's transportation system and will result in smoother, more efficient and reliable travel for all."

The MT 200 reconstruction project consists of five phases and aims to improve nearly 37 mi. of MT 200 between Jordan and Brockway. Phase 1, Little Dry Creek, was completed in 2022, and Phase 2, Junction 462 East & West, was completed in 2023, improving 16 mi. of the highway.

Phase three, Flowing Wells East & West, starts approximately 2 mi. west of the Flowing Wells Rest Area and extends east for approximately 7 mi., crossing the intersection of MT 200 with MT 24. In addition to highway reconstruction, this phase includes replacing five aging timber bridges, three of which had load restrictions.

Central Specialties began work on this phase in spring 2025. It is expected to be completed this year.

Work on Phase four, West of Brockway-West, will begin this spring and reconstruct approximately 7 mi. of MT 200. It begins at the eastern edge of the Flowing Wells East & West project, approximately 14 mi. west of Brockway, and extends east to approximately 7 mi. west of Brockway. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The five-phase project will reconstruct MT 200 with 12-ft. travel lanes and 6-ft. shoulders. It also will improve horizontal and vertical alignment by reducing hills and curves, enhancing sight distance and overall safety. Additional upgrades include centerline and shoulder rumble strips, new signage and pavement markings.

In addition to the MT 200 projects, improvements are also planned for MT 24. The Flowing Wells-North and North of Flowing Wells-North projects will resurface almost 20 mi. of MT 24, starting at the Flowing Wells Rest Area and extending north to approximately 2 mi. north of McGuire Creek Road.

Improvements planned include resurfacing the roadway, upgrading pavement markings, signage and guardrails at bridge ends and resurfacing the deck on the Nelson Creek Bridge.