Lewistown-area bridge work starts this month with motorcycle advisory

LEWISTOWN, Mont. — Work to replace five timber bridges near Lewistown will start in June, with detours, lower speeds and a motorcycle advisory in place during construction.

MDT said four bridges are in Fergus County along Montana Highway 81 and one is in Wheatland County on Secondary Highway 297. The work is part of the first phase of the Lewistown Area Bridges-DAR Structures project, which is set to replace 11 regional timber bridges through 2028.

Mike Taylor, MDT Billings District Administrator, said the work matters for the region.

“Replacing these aging bridges is an important investment for this growing region. The project will enhance infrastructure safety and reliability for communities and businesses across central Montana,” said Mike Taylor in a release.

The bridges on the list include Dry Wolf Creek Bridge on MT 81, 6 miles southeast of Denton, three drainage bridges on MT 81 west of Brooks and Deadman’s Basin Canal Bridge on S 297, 1 mile north of Shawmut.

Sletten Construction said drivers should expect detours built right next to the current bridges.

Minimal traffic disruptions are anticipated, but crews are planning reduced speed limits, shoulder closures and on-site traffic control in each work zone.

MDT said gravel on the detours will create added risk for motorcycle riders and encourages them to consider another route.