MDT planning high-tension cable project

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will begin a four-phase road safety improvement project by installing high-tension cable rail along sections of Interstate 90 (I-90) in the Missoula, Butte, and Bozeman areas and Interstate 15 (I-15) in the Butte and Helena areas. From start to finish, the Median High-Tension Cable Rail project will add high-tension cable guardrail across 150 miles of Montana's roadways.

Coral Construction Company will be constructing the just more than 40-mile Bozeman area section, from Three Forks east to Bear Canyon. The company was also awarded the Butte area section, scheduled for construction in 2024.

Built with safety in mind, the High-Tension Median Cable Rail project will provide a flexible barrier of steel cable mounted on steel posts in the center median. The high-tension cable rail reduces crash impact and redirects vehicles from crossing into opposing traffic.

Both the Missoula and Bozeman area phases are expected to be completed in 2024; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

MDT anticipates minimal travel impacts; however, minor travel time delays are expected. Motorists should expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds when passing through active work zones. On the Bozeman phase of the project, crews will be on-site Monday to Saturday, and occasionally during nighttime hours.

Weekly updates will be available during construction. To subscribe for email updates or if you have questions, contact Sloane Stinson or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also sign up for text updates* by texting the following to 41411:MCRBOZEMAN for Bozeman area updates.