MDT begins road painting projects

The Montana Department of Transportation expects road painting to begin this week on stretches of U.S. 93 north of Whitefish to the Canada border and on Montana 37 from the junction of U.S. 93 south to Libby.

MDT has substantially completed the installation of centerline rumble strips on highways across Western Montana and is now beginning work on epoxy striping, according to a release. Work is expected to take about a week.

Crews have installed low noise centerline rumble strips in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, and Sanders counties on undivided highways with speed limits higher than 45 miles per hour. Lake, Ravalli, and Sanders counties also saw roadside improvement work, with MDT updating signs and shoulder rumble strips.

Low noise centerline rumble strips are designed to prevent roadway departure crashes by producing noise and vibration inside the vehicle and are less disruptive to motorcyclists and passing vehicles than traditional rumble strips, according to MDT.

MDT Project Manager Jason Livingston and Prime Contractor Knife River Construction reminds the public to watch for the ‘cone zone’ and workers on the highway when traveling during construction season.

“Road crews spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles. While they make every effort to work safely, they count on motorists to pay attention, slow down, and be careful as traffic passes through work zones.”

Visit the project website to learn more at: http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/missoulaclrs.

Direct questions or comments to Ella Currier at 406-465-7198 or ellac@strategies360.com.