Malta - South Construction Paused for the Winter Season

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Wickens Construction have paused operations on the Malta - South project for the winter. Traffic control has been removed.

In 2023, crews completed work on the Alkali Creek Bridge and the irrigation ditch bridge near the edge of town. In addition, alignment work and culvert installation began on US Highway 191 (US 191), starting approximately nine miles outside of Malta.

“MDT is pleased with the progress this year. We completed both bridges and began roadway realignment operations,” said Duane Tihista, MDT Glendive District Project Manager. “Our crews are ready to return next spring to finish up this project and continue improving Montana’s roadways.”

Crews will return in the spring of 2024 to complete alignment work and reconstruct areas of the roadway to flatten steep roadway grades and sharp curves, which will enhance roadway safety features.  

In addition, the project will install snow ditches to mitigate drifting snow issues, and new pedestrian facilities at 9th Street West. MDT anticipates that the project will be complete by fall 2024.

“We (appreciate) the public for keeping our crews safe this season as they worked along US 191” said Ryan Durbin, President of Wickens Construction. “We look forward to returning to the community next spring to complete the project.”

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.

Don’t Crowd the Plow

While driving, be on the lookout for snowplows and give operators room to work. Many plows are hit by private vehicles each winter, with the potential to cause harm to all parties involved. The plow truck and operator are taken out of service immediately following an incident.

Drive safely this winter and keep these tips in mind:

- Don’t pass a plow when the TowPlow is deployed The operator will periodically rotate the TowPlow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass.

-Be aware that, where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may obscure the presence of additional plows in adjacent lanes.

-When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce speed immediately.

-When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline.

- Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass, but remember, the road in front of the plow is likely not as clear as the road behind it.

MDT has tools to help plan for conditions so you can reach your destination safely. Find more plow safety information and winter driving tips at at https://mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/winterdriving.aspx. Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at: https://www.511mt.net/.

About MDT:

We are B.U.I.L.D.E.R.S. At MDT, our mission is to plan, build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation infrastructure to move Montana forward by setting the gold standard for a highly effective, innovative, and people-centric department of transportation. For more information about MDT and the work we do on behalf of Montana’s traveling public, visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.