By Mira Brody VP MEDIA
They say there’s two seasons in Montana: winter, and road construction. That’s especially proved true to those who frequent U.S. Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky as the Montana Department of Transportation continues work on the pavement preservation and safety improvements project in Gallatin Canyon. In anticipation of Big Sky’s busy summer, EBS spoke with MDT about construction updates and any forthcoming wait times for canyon commuters.
South of Spanish Creek
The section of U.S. 191 between Spanish Creek Road and the Lava Lake trailhead underwent paving, with chip sealing and temporary striping complete as of July 3. Drivers may have experienced delays as frequent rainstorms and temperatures swings prevented crews from completing the work at night as initially planned.
“Seal and cover—chip seal—operations have minimum temperature requirements,” Kristine Fife, public relations manager for the project explained in an email to EBS. “If the oil cools too quickly, the chips won’t adhere to the roadway. Temperatures in the canyon do not stay high enough at night to accommodate these minimum requirements.”
Final striping activities will occur later this summer, as chip seal needs a minimum of 30 days before permanent striping can be added to the roadway. Pothole repairs and crack seal operations on the Lava Lake Bridge will also occur later this summer. When that commences, drivers can expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures and delays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Work is paused on the project starting Tuesday, July 2, and will resume on Monday, July 8.
Turn bay north of Gallatin Gateway
Construction work on the turn bay continues between South Cottonwood Road and Zachariah Lane. Final paving operations will occur this week and crews will install guardrail and temporary striping. Drivers can expect reduced speeds, traffic control flaggers, single-lane closures and a 12-foot width restriction during the working hours of Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Both lanes will reopen during night hours, but drivers should expect reduced speeds and width restrictions 24 hours a day. Work has paused on the project as of noon on Wednesday, July 3, and resume on Monday, July 8.
“We understand that road construction is inconvenient, especially in an area where space is limited and there are no alternate routes,” Fife wrote. “We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience while we work to complete this project. We know the improvements will be worth the wait.”
Both projects are currently on schedule. Weekly updates are provided on the Montana Department of Transportation’s website. To subscribe to weekly text updates, text GALLATINCANYON to 41411.
