Fiber-optic cable route work ongoing in Three Forks area

Work is currently underway in the Three Forks area on a project installing a new fiber-optic cable route across Montana.

In 2023, Intermountain Infrastructure Group (IIG) began work on the project loosely following the I-90 corridor and Montana Highway 200 in the northwest portion of the state, with most of the construction taking place along the sides of primary and secondary highways.

According to IIG, “the installation of this new fiber-optic cable route will expand the availability and reliability of broadband services in Montana.”

“The project will increase the availability of high-speed internet to local internet and telecommunications service providers, who can then provide the service to homes and businesses,” states a project page for the route.

Brandon Coates with RBCI, who is working with IIG on the project, said work started in Three Forks about three weeks ago, and three crews are currently working in the area to expedite construction and reduce disruptions.

He added one crew is in town, one is north of town moving south, and the third is south of town moving north.

“They expect to complete work in the area in about a month, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting,” Coates said.

IIG is partnering with construction companies on the privately funded project to install the fiber line that will be laid in the right of way in city, county, and state jurisdictions.

According to IIG, depending on conditions, crews will be directional drilling, plowing, or trenching fiber optic cable; traffic control will be in place to ensure the safety of crews and the traveling public around construction zones, which could include reduced speed zones and single-lane closures.

The project is expected to be completed later this year or early 2025.

“When complete, this new backbone of fiber connectivity will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure over more than 600 miles of Montana,” states the project page.