Construction To Begin on US 191 South of Malta

The Montana Department of Transportation and Wickens Construction, Inc., will begin the Malta - South project this spring. This project will widen US Highway 191 (US 191), rehabilitate the entire road surface, and fully reconstruct some areas to flatten steep roadway grades and sharp curves to enhance safety features.

In addition, the project will install snow ditches to mitigate drifting snow issues and new pedestrian facilities at 9th Street West.

The project starts approximately 9.5 miles south of Malta near South Alkali Creek Road and ends at the intersection of US 191 and 9th Street West.

Duane Tihista, MDT Project Manager, explained the project benefits: "We're looking forward to starting this project. It'll bring enhanced safety features to reduce the probability of crashes, improved service to the local agriculture, commerce, and tourism industries, new pedestrian facilities, and a shared-use path along US 191 between Secondary Highway 363 and 9th Street West for non-motorized travelers."

"During work hours, motorists on US 191 should expect short delays, flaggers and signals controlling the movement of traffic, single-lane restrictions, and reduced speed limits," said Wickens Construction project manager Cody Wutin. "Our crews will maintain traffic flow but rely on you to keep them safe."

Construction on the Malta - South project will occur over the next two summers. Depending on weather and other factors, MDT anticipates completion of work by fall 2024.

The traveling public is strongly encouraged to watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast-moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they count on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.

Members of the public can find more information on the project webpage: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/maltasouth or by reaching out to Ella Currier at [email protected] or 406-465-7198.