Local company gets contract to repair Bear Canyon Bridge

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) awarded its Expedited I-90 Bear Canyon Bridge Repair project to Belgrade-based Battle Ridge Builders.

The project is in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 at Exit 313, east of Bozeman, and will replace two beams and repair the bridge deck. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting.

"During construction, eastbound traffic will continue to detour via the off and on ramps at Exit 313," reads a press release from MDT. "Bozeman Trail Road will not be accessible from I-90 and the interstate underpass on Bozeman Trail Road is closed to traffic until construction is complete.

For travel information, please visit 511mt.net.

“We understand the inconvenience of the detours and are focused on expediting these repairs,” said Geno Liva, MDT Butte District administrator, in the release.

MDT ordered two 41’4” replacement beams to eliminate common delays caused by beam fabrication and delivery. Contractor selection was done through an exigency procurement process, and required environmental review began within days of the bridge strike.

The bridge was damaged in late January when a commercial vehicle attempted to pass under the bridge on Bozeman Trail Road, according to MDT.

"The load being towed exceeded the bridge clearance of 13’3, resulting in serious damage and necessitating the closures and detours for the safety of travelers," reads the release.

For more information about active MDT projects around the state, visit MDT's website and view its five-year Tentative Construction Plan.